Multiple teams, including the Boston Celtics and New Orleans Pelicans, have been in talks with the Philadelphia 76ers about trading for Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor, reports Jon Johnson of 94.1 WIP:
Per league source, several teams have been in contact with Sixers about Okafor,Noel, including BOS & NO.
— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) June 20, 2016
The Sixers are likely offering one of their two big men in trades in order to acquire another high pick in the draft. Philly drafting Ben Simmons is more or less a certainty at this point. Simmons, who is projected to be a power forward in the NBA, would take the spot of either Noel or Okafor. The Sixers could even trade both Okafor and Noel if they’re feeling good about Joel Embiid going forward. A healthy duo of Simmons and Embiid could be dominant a few years down the road.
The Celtics are interested in Noel, and not Okafor, reports Johnson:
Per source, Celtics are interested in acquiring Noel, not Okafor, & would not be simple 1 for 1 trade. Lots of interest in 3rd pick.#Sixers
— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) June 21, 2016
The Pelicans have the sixth overall pick in the draft, while the Celtics have the third. With the Boston pick, the Sixers would likely have their choice of any player other than Brandon Ingram. Kris Dunn would probably be the target there, or perhaps Jamal Murray. They could possibly get Dunn at the sixth pick, but that’s much less likely.
