Jahlil Okafor is expected to be mentioned in numerous NBA trade rumors this season after the Philadelphia 76ers failed to find a taker last summer. Talks about a potential trade are expected to grow after the former third overall pick did not play in their season opener.
Sixers head coach Brett Brown opted not to field Okafor in during their 120-115 loss to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. Joel Embiid and Robert Covington took most of the frontline minutes, while Amir Johnson and Dario Saric also played significant minutes off the bench.
Jahlil Okafor to Chicago Bulls?
With Okafor unlikely to get enough playing time in Philadelphia, the 76ers will likely move the former Duke standout. ESPN insider Zach Lowe predicted that Okafor will be traded, naming the Chicago Bulls as a potential destination.
The 76ers are not expected to agree to take salaries that will hurt their cap room unless it is a game changer. Lowe pointed out that Chicago is a logical destination because the Bulls can take him into their cap room this season.
Okafor, who was drafted third overall in 2015, could get the playing time that he is longing for if traded to the Bulls. The Bulls are currently in a rebuilding process, which is ideal for a 21-year-old center like Okafor.
Aside from the Bulls, Lowe also mentioned the Phoenix Suns as a potential trade destination for Okafor. The Suns are also looking for young assets for their rebuilding and are willing to let go of veterans like Tyson Chandler and Eric Bledsoe.
However, the Suns are expected to have high demands in any trade involving Bledsoe.
Lowe pointed out that the Suns might be willing to do a frontline swap involving Okafor and Alex Len. However, Len cannot be traded until late December and could veto any deal because he is playing under a one-year qualifying offer.
Jahlil Okafor unsure of future in Philly
Okafor was initially viewed as a potential face of the franchise when he was selected third behind Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell.
He was also drafted before Kristaps Porzingis, Myles Turner and Devin Booker, who are all making a significant impact for the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and the Suns, respectively.
In a recent interview, Okafor admitted that he is unsure of his future in Philadelphia. The third-year forward said that he does not know if he is still a part of the rebuilding process.
“I'm unsure if I'm still on the team,” Okafor told SB Nation. “Am I really a part of this process? Am I really a part of this culture?”
In his first two seasons with the 76ers, Okafor averaged 14.7 points and 6.0 rebounds in 103 games. The Arkansas native was nearly traded in February, but a trade to the Portland Trail Blazers did not push through, TNT insider David Aldridge reported.
