Celtics Rumors: Latest Reports Before 2016 NBA Draft Lottery

The Boston Celtics went down swinging in the first round of the NBA playoffs, but they have much to look forward to ahead of Tuesday's NBA draft lottery.

Whereas some teams might have been disappointed with the 4-2 series loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Boston can marvel at the fact that it made the postseason at all with such a young, unexpected core.

Even better—general manager Danny Ainge has done an incredible job of acquiring assets over the years and now has the franchise sitting on one of the biggest stockpiles of picks in the league.

Something has to give, though, because Boston can't fit all of its draft selections on its roster. Interesting, right? Before the lottery gets underway, let's take a look at the notable rumblings around the franchise.

Celtics Looking at Brandon Ingram

One way the Celtics can move assets for equal value and improve their team going into next year is by packaging their picks to move up.

Or perhaps they will just land a top-two pick in the lottery.

Either way, Ainge and the Boston front office seem to be preparing for such a scenario, as Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald explained:

For those out of the loop, Duke's Brandon Ingram appears to be in a two-man race with LSU's Ben Simmons to come off the board as the draft's top pick.

Ingram comes in at 6'9" and 190 pounds and would immediately take scoring pressure off Isaiah Thomas while also possessing an incredible ceiling.

An ESPN.com scouting write-up suggesting Ingram could help the Los Angeles Lakers replace Kobe Bryant said it all: "With Kobe Bryant now off to retirement, the Lakers need a superstar, and either Simmons or Ingram would be a really good fit. Simmons could be off the board, but Ingram should be able to step right in and provide shooting and the ability to defend multiple positions. He's thin, but there's a lot of talent there."

In Boston, Ingram would develop into the face of the franchise, so it only makes sense that the front office has a plan in place.

Also In on Cheick Diallo

Orlin Wagner/Associated Press

Whereas Ingram is a potential superstar who can change the course of an organization, the reality is that most of Boston's draft picks will likely bolster weak areas on the roster.

When looking at Boston's roster, the situation under the basket sticks out the most.

It's likely why the Celtics have set up a chat with an interesting name, according to Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv:

Cheick Diallo is more of a project player than some could see the Celtics grabbing, but with so many picks, not every guy the team selects will turn out to be helpful right away.

Diallo is worth an investment over the long run, though. A freak athlete at 6'9" and 219 pounds, the Kansas product should have a role as a defender right away if he adds bulk, though his offensive game needs development.

It's why the Jayhawks allowed him to average only 7.5 minutes per game as a freshman, which he turned into averages of 3.0 points and 2.5 rebounds per contest.

Still, if Boston wants to look through the long-term lens with some of its picks, Diallo is one of the best ways in the class to do so.

Setting Up for Kevin Durant?

In a perfect world, Ainge would pull off enough moves to make NBA 2K16 blush and land Kevin Durant on the open market, catapulting his team past the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.

In this world, the Celtics might have interest in Durant but understand it's going to take a lot to make themselves look like an appealing destination.

Chris Mannix of The Vertical provided a look into the ongoing process:

"

Ainge will be aggressive in free agency, team sources told The Vertical, and yes, that means a run at Kevin Durant. The Celtics believe Durant will meet with them this summer, but they know that meeting won’t accomplish much unless there are significant moves leading into it. Durant will be 28 in September, and the former MVP isn’t interested in hearing what a team could someday become. He wants to win now, which is why Golden State and San Antonio expect to be appealing, why Oklahoma City is still very much in play. 

"

Mannix noted Boston would need to swing a deal for someone such as Chicago's Jimmy Butler to put themselves strongly in the Durant race.

Is it possible? Sure.

The notion makes sense, too.

Boston has a nice, young core, but Durant would still be joining something of a rebuild, at least compared to the Oklahoma City Thunder. And there's another problem: Durant and Russell Westbrook just took down the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the playoffs and remain in title contention.

At the least, Durant and the Celtics will likely sit down this summer. What's interesting is the possible moves the Celtics might attempt before they meet.

Said moves might even get underway before the pingpong balls settle at the lottery Tuesday.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.