The Philadelphia 76ers are making a last-ditch effort to find a new home for former no.3 overall pick Jahlil Okafor before the start of training camp next week. Sixers head coach Brett Brown confirmed in a recent interview that the team is currently exploring trade options for the former Duke Blue Devils standout.
Okafor, who averaged 14.7 points and 6.7 rebounds in two seasons with the Sixers, appears no longer be on Philadelphia’s long-term plan following the emergence of big man Joel Embiid and Dario Saric last season. Injuries (right knee) and off-court troubles (Boston street fights) also contributed to his diminished role with the team.
Celtics’ new Big
The Boston Celtics are still believed interested in Okafor and viewed as a top landing spot for the 21-year old big man. The Celtics, who recently bolstered their lineup after acquiring Kyrie Irving in a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, have yet to address their thin front-court after letting go of Tyler Zeller, Kelly Olynyk, and Ante Zizic this offseason.
However, acquiring Okafor in a trade would require painstaking cap maneuvering in order for the Celtics to absorb his contract of $5 million next season. Tom Westerholm of Massachusetts Live pointed out that Okafor joining the Celtics via trade is unlikely, though it’s not out of the realm of possibility especially if the Sixers agree to accept heavily protected future picks as compensation for the big man.
New Project for Spurs
Last June, CSN Philly writer Jessica Camerato came up with a trade proposal involving Okafor and San Antonio Spurs shooter Danny Green. Camerato’s trade idea will have Okafor, and shooter Nik Stauskas shipped to the Spurs in exchange for Green, who credited Brown for his development as a solid two-way player.
The trade would present an opportunity for Okafor to learn and hone his skills under legendary coach Gregg Popovich. The Sixers, on the other hand, would get the service of a veteran who can make a significant impact on both ends of the floor. Philadelphia may be loaded with talents, but the team obviously lacks two-way players in their backcourt.
Coming Home in Windy City
The prospect of coming home might not also be a bad idea for Okafor. The Chicago Bulls had engaged in serious trade discussions with the Sixers last February, according to veteran NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski. The trade would have sent Nikola Mirotic to the Sixers in exchange for the hometown kid Okafor, but the deal never materialized. However, with the Bulls finally, in rebuilding mode, there’s a chance for both teams to revisit the trade discussion. Chicago can simply convince Mirotic to accept the standing qualifying offer of $7.2 million and ship him to Philadelphia in exchange for Okafor.
In Chicago, Okafor will have all the opportunity in the world to improve his game without added pressure.
The Sixers, meanwhile, will get another player with the same skill-set as Saric. Mirotic averaged 10.8 points on 41 percent FG shooting (34 percent from beyond the arc) with 5.8 rebounds per game last season.
