Report: Celtics interested in Bamba; could trade up with Grizzlies or Mavs

The Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in drafting Mo Bamba, league sources tell the Sporting News' Sean Deveney, identifying the Texas freshman's potential to fill their need for an elite rim protector with his quickness, instincts, and ridiculous 7-foot-10 wingspan.

Boston apparently interviewed him at the pre-draft combine in Chicago, but he could go as high as No. 3 (to the Atlanta Hawks) and the Celtics don't pick until 27th overall. With the capital in both players and picks to make a move, Boston could work out a deal with either the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 4 or the Dallas Mavericks at No. 5 to be in position to draft Bamba, Deveney says.

If Bamba remains on the board at No. 6 for Orlando, Deveney reports the Magic aren't likely to pass up the Harlem native.

In terms of assets the Celtics could offer in a potential trade, Jayson Tatum is probably untouchable after his fantastic rookie season, making the other young studs on the roster like Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown possible focal points in a deal. Future draft picks would also likely change hands, as Boston owns both the Sacramento Kings' and Memphis Grizzlies' first-round selections next season.