Rumor: Celtics interested in Mo Bamba and Jaren Jackson Jr.

With word last night that the Celtics are trying to move into the top 5 and pursuing the Grizzlies’ pick at #4, Sporting News’ Sean Deveney is reporting who Boston might be targeting:

The Celtics have been big fans of Bamba (they like Jaren Jackson Jr. as well) and have been exploring ways to move into the top five of the draft for weeks now. Boston has two potential lottery picks next year to offer — Sacramento’s, protected for the No. 1 pick, and Memphis’, protected for the top eight — though a potential deal is complicated by the possible pursuit of Spurs star Kawhi Leonard.

File this away as unlikely, but don’t be surprised if something does happen tonight. With the Celtics stocked at point guard and rich on the wings, they could make a move to solidify their front court with an aging Al Horford as their only signed big man on the roster. This confirms earlier reports that the Celtics were interested in Bamba, and Bamba himself has said that the “Celtics were always kinda targeting me.”

Check out the look on Danny Ainge’s and Mike Zarren’s face! For what it’s worth, NBC Sports Boston’s A. Sherrod Blakely is reporting that the Celtics won’t trade up.