When Jahlil Okafor was drafted 3rd overall in 2015 by the Philadelphia 76ers, he was expected to be their foundation moving forward at that center spot. Instead, with the rapid ascent of Joel Embiid plus the plethora of other solid big men on the roster, Okafor has become largely forgotten.
There have been rumors of him leaving Philly for some time but now, Okafor is officially asking to be moved somewhere else. According to Jessica Camerato of NBC Sports, Okafor has voiced that he would like his contract to be either bought out or dealt by the Sixers:
Jahlil Okafor said he would like a buyout or a trade from the Sixers.
— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoNBCS) November 1, 2017
With how badly the Sixers have mishandled the early portions of his young career, it’s hard to blame Okafor for wanting out. Unsurprisingly, Okafor is frustrated with his lack of playing time and involvement in the team’s future according to Philly Inquirer’s Keith Pompey:
.@JahlilOkafor: "Now, I’m just in a position to where how can I just get on the court. That's not happening here. And I want to play."
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) November 1, 2017
#Sixers @JahlilOkafor: "This is my live. This is my career and I’m not getting an opportunity here, which is fine.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) November 1, 2017
Pompey also added that if the two parties were to split, Philadelphia would be unwilling to buy him out due to them losing a solid young piece like Okafor for nothing.
The #Sixers don't want to give @JahlilOkafor a buyout, because that would be giving him away for free.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) November 1, 2017
.@JahlilOkafor "Bryan didn't think [a buyout] would be a good idea, because he said 'He would be giving me away to a team for free …
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) November 1, 2017
Still only 21 years old, Jahlil Okafor has plenty of offensive potential and should be able to return some assets in a trade for Philly. A lot of teams find themselves with dire frontcourt situations and adding a young stud like Okafor could exponentially improve a team’s interior scoring ability.
Okafor has always been gifted on the offensive end and that was on display during his solo appearance so far this season in which he posted 10 points and 9 boards in 22 minutes. The Sixers have already been exploring the trade market for Okafor and with this latest request, expect the disgruntled center to be shipped out perhaps in the coming weeks.
