Jahlil Okafor didn’t make any All-Star events, but he may be on his way to New Orleans anyway. The Philadelphia 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans are discussing a trade centered around the big man. Sam Amick of USA Today was first with the news:
Sixers & Pelicans in talks about sending Jahlil Okafor to New Orleans. Philly pushing for NO 1st rounder. Story coming at @USATODAYsports
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) February 6, 2017
Amick, in his story on the potential trade, reports that the Pelicans want their first-rounder to be lottery-protected.
ESPN’s Marc Stein confirmed that the talks are “advanced:”
Philadelphia and New Orleans are in advanced talks on Jahlil Okafor-to-the-Pels trade, league sources confirm. @Sam_Amick first to report.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 6, 2017
The Pels have long flirted with putting an offensive-minded big man alongside Anthony Davis. They're trying now to seal this deal for Okafor
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 6, 2017
ESPN’s Marc J. Spears has an idea of what the trade may look like:
Sixers could be getting back unhappy center Alexis Ajinca and a future 1st round pick in a Jahlil Okafor trade to New Orleans, a source said
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) February 6, 2017
A source has confirmed to Def Pen that Ajinca is being discussed as a part of the trade.
The Pelicans were also interested in Nets center Brook Lopez, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical:
New Orleans has been engaged on several fronts to land a center, including pursuit of Brooklyn's Brook Lopez, sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) February 6, 2017
Wojnarowski also reports that the Pelicans were hoping to unload Omer Asik’s contract, which would not happen in this deal:
Sources: New Orleans has been trying to get a trade package that includes unloading Omer Asik contract. Philly deal wouldn't include him.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) February 6, 2017
Sam Amico reports that the 76ers are hoping to return former All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday to Philadelphia:
Several NBA agents tell me they hear Sixers seek Pelicans' Jrue Holiday as part of package in return for Jahlil Okafor, as reported by Yahoo
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) February 6, 2017
