Now weeks into the regular season, the ongoing dilemma with Jahlil Okafor and the Philadelphia 76ers continues. Still only 21 years old, Okafor carries vast potential that isn’t being realized in Philadelphia where he is currently buried deep in the center depth chart behind Joel Embiid and veteran big Amir Johnson.
Both sides are aware that this marriage has been an utter disaster and are ready to move on. Philadelphia has been exploring the trade market for their young big man and Okafor let it be clear that he would like a trade or buyout from the team, a request that hasn’t yet been granted.
One of the primary suitors of Okafor has been the Boston Celtics, not only in this instance but in the past as well. Pairing Okafor with their young array of forwards and star point guard Kyrie Irving would add a new element for Boston and give the Duke product the fresh start he desperately needs.
However, according to The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn, the obstacle keeping a trade from being agreed upon is the fact that Boston is unwilling to part ways with a first-round pick:
The Celtics have long held interest in Okafor, but as more of a project than an immediate contributor. Boston is also not willing to part with a first-round pick for Okafor. The 76ers have done a poor job of showcasing Okafor and maintaining his market value.
Jahlil Okafor, the third overall pick in 2015, has lost a lot of his trade value due to his one-dimensional game. Okafor is adept at creating in the lane and finishing around the rim on the offensive end but his lackluster defensive skills and rebounding prowess limit his value in today’s game significantly. Couple those issues with a lack of a perimeter stroke and Okafor doesn’t really have the traits to warrant a first-round pick in return.
That being said, expect Boston and a few other teams to still make viable offers considering a change of scenery could turn Okafor’s career all the way around. With his free agency looming, the Sixers need to find a way to unload Okafor sooner or later as it’s apparent that his future doesn’t lie in Philadelphia.
