After the Philadelphia 76ers decided not to pick up the fourth-year, $6.3 million option on Jahlil Okafor’s rookie deal, it was clear they are heading on separate ways soon. And soon enough, the 6’11” power forward from the Duke Blue Devils announced that he is ready to leave Philadelphia anytime, whether thru trade or a buyout.

According to inside sources, the Sixers management isn’t fond of a contract buyout; instead, it is leaning on trading Okafor. Back in February, there were reports that the Sixers reached out to the New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, and Portland Trail Blazers for a possible trade.

Obviously, nothing happened.

Bulls or Hawks

According to league sources, the Sixers are seeking either the rebuilding Chicago Bulls or the injury-laden Atlanta Hawks on the trade table, as reported by TNT analyst David Aldridge. First, he could serve as insurance until Joel Embiid fully recovers. Plus, the Sixers are asking for a draft pick for Jahlil Okafor.

Letting go of an important draft pick is a deal-breaker, as some basketball analysts suggest. This is because Okafor will become an unrestricted free agent by July. If only the Philadelphia 76ers made a timely trade, perhaps during the offseason, then the two camps could have already gone their own ways.

But if the Sixers are amenable for a 2018 second round pick, the rebuilding Chicago Bulls could offer theirs.

The Bulls are easily the top choice to land Okafor due to his ties with the city. He can be an effective backup to center Robin Lopez, too.

Of course, the injury-plagued Atlanta Hawks could need all the help they can get. Jahlil Okafor could either step in as the starting center or come off the bench to replace Dewayne Dedmon, who had a monster game against the Boston Celtics.

Plus, they have an enticing first-round draft pick to offer the Sixers.

Milwaukee Bucks

If the Philadelphia 76ers management is looking for a win-win solution, they can find the answer by talking to the Milwaukee Bucks front office. After the “I don’t want to be here” fiasco involving their starting point guard, the Phoenix Suns finally decided to ship Eric Bledsoe (pending medical evaluation) to Milwaukee for Greg Monroe.

Jahlil Okafor could be a welcome addition to the campaign of the Milwaukee Bucks. He’s young and his intimidating presence on the baseline could greatly benefit the Bucks on both ends. Plus, Okafor being an offensive-minded player will be a perfect match for the Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon, and the newly-added Eric Bledsoe.
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