For the past weeks, the attention has been on where Kyrie Irving or Carmelo Anthony would be going. Then again, other players before them were long rumored to be on the move. One of them is Jahlil Okafor, the third overall pick of the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2015 NBA Draft.
It has been a rollercoaster ride for the 21-year-old, someone who most believed would have been the top pick in 2015. Instead, Karl-Anthony Towns was selected first by the Minnesota Timberwolves followed by D’Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Okafor has shown what he can do on offense though most question his defensive capability.
It was a side that most noticed when he was still in college. Most believed that the 6-foot-11 center will need guidance and mentor on the defensive end to evolve. Right now, it doesn’t look like all that will happen in Philly.
Okafor trade in hiatus
Okafor is no stranger to NBA trade rumors. In fact, most were expecting him to be traded last February. Nothing materialized when the NBA trade deadline passed and most waited for the summer.
So far, there have been a lot of player movements made. The big names include Chris Paul and Paul George. Understandably, not too many paid attention to Philly when it came to Okafor. Apparently, nothing may be close to happening.
The Sixers may be quietly dangling Okafor meaning a surprise move could happen at any moment.
The weird part though is no single team has been linked to him, meaning he could stay on the 76ers roster once the 2017-18 NBA season gets underway.
Where does Jahlil best fit?
At 21, any team would surely gain with someone like Okafor. There are several teams in need of a talented big man so the problem could be the factors of a trade.
Okafor signed a three-year contract with the Sixers worth $14 million per Spotrac.com. Philly exercised its 2017 and 2018 club option, a sign that the team is still hoping to see improvements. Okafor becomes a restricted free agent in 2019.
The 21-year-old is entering his third season though he will be coming off the bench.
Richaun Holmes and Amir Johnson are expected to start up front for the Sixers this season though Okafor could crack the rotation if he shows improvement.
The former Duke standout stands to gain with improved play. It builds his stock and will eventually raise his net worth. The same will also benefit the Sixers. He is a promising big man, but the shortcomings of his game are seen as one reason why other ball clubs are staying away from him.
