Ever since the Celtics secured the No. 1 overall pick by winning the draft lottery last month it has been widely assumed they would use the choice to select University of Washington point guard Markelle Fultz.

Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck stated several times his preference would be to keep the pick rather than use it to acquire an established star, and Fultz was seen as the player in this class with the most superstar potential.

But on Friday night, multiple reports emerged that the Celtics and 76ers are in discussions about a deal that would send the No. 1 choice — which would presumably be used on Fultz — to Philadelphia. The Vertical reported that the Celtics likely would receive the No. 3 overall choice from the 76ers in return, as well as a future first-round pick.

According to the Vertical, Fultz could be going to Philadelphia to visit the 76ers as soon as Saturday. Philadelphia has a bounty of future choices that is just as impressive as Boston’s.

Next year the 76ers hold their own first-round choice as well as the Lakers’ first-round choice.

When asked whether the Celtics-76ers deal was going to be completed, one league source responded: “Might be.’’

On Friday evening, one source close to Fultz said in a text message: “Not hearing too much. Just waiting to see what will happen.’’

It is worth noting that this time of year can be filled with misinformation, as teams try to coax others into deals by planting others they do not intend to make. But for the Celtics, trading the top pick could make sense.

Boston already has a loaded backcourt, and there are questions as to whether Fultz and the All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas could coexist. Also, the No. 3 pick will be paid about $1.2 million less than the No. 1 pick next season, potentially giving the Celtics the room to chase a maximum contract player such as Gordon Hayward this summer without surrendering current players who are under contract for next season.

Of course, there is also great risk in passing over a player such as Fultz, who has been tabbed by many as a future superstar. Fultz visited Boston for two days last week, as he completed a workout and took a physical.

In an interview with the Globe on Monday, the point guard said he came away impressed.

“I think it’s a great organization,’’ he said. “You can see that by how many championships they won. Just the coaching staff, they care so much about their players. They care about winning, but they care more about you being healthy, you doing what’s right, you being on time, you being the best person you can be to yourself and the community. I think that’s amazing. And of course Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens, one of the best doing it right now. [Stevens] is so good at film, drawing up plays and everything like that. It was just good to learn from him and see everything.’’

Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at adam.himmelsbach@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter at @adamhimmelsbach