The Philadelphia 76ers have been at the bottom of the NBA barrel for quite some time now. Things may be starting to take a turn for the better, with former general manager Sam Hinkie's "Process" finally coming to fruition. Loaded with lots of young talent and a logjam in the frountcourt, Philadelphia has some issues to address, but it could be a good thing in the long run. The emergence of budding young star center Joel Embiid has pretty much paved the way for the Sixers to move on from either Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel, or both. Of the two, Okafor seem most likely to be the one on the way out.
Okafor to be moved?
Despite possibly being on the trading block, Jahlil Okafor is still a very talented young player with lots of room to grow. What he lacks on the defensive end he makes up for with his offensive low-post prowess. There are a number of teams that could use the offensive firepower he brings to the table. He could definitely help a contending team that's missing a piece or two to help them get over the hump. The Toronto Raptors are the main team that comes to mind when thinking of a landing spot for Okafor.
Toronto is currently sitting in second place in the NBA Eastern Conference with a 28-15 record. They have two legit superstars in Kyle Lowry and DeMar Derozan (along with some great complimentary pieces like Jonas Valanciunas and DeMarre Carroll.) Even though they have a solid core, it has proven not to be enough to get by the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers.
This may be more than enough reason for the Raptors to make a move before the trade deadline to strengthen their roster. This is where Okafor comes into play. They could start him at power forward next to Valanciunas and he could possibly thrive in that role. Power forward is more of a natural position for Okafor instead of center, so a move like this would greatly benefit him.
Toronto to upgrade roster for playoff push
A proposed deal between Toronto and Philadelphia would send Cory Joseph and a 2017 first round draft pick to the Sixers in exchange for Jahlil Okafor. This deal would be beneficial to both teams. The Sixers would get a guard to pair in the backcourt with rookie Ben Simmons and also a pick in the loaded 2017 draft which would allow Philly to continue to build its young roster.
Toronto, on the other hand, would get some more offensive firepower that would allow them to immediately contend for the Eastern Conference crown. If the Raptors don't make any changes, then they are basically just playing for second place because the Cavs at full force would be hard to topple. Adding Okafor to the mix is exactly what the doctor ordered for a team that's right on the cusp. Expect the trade talks between the two teams to continue to gain traction as the deadline rapidly approaches.
