NBA Trade Rumors: Could Current Philadelphia 76ers Center Jahlil Okafor End Up With the Boston Celtics?
Celtics reportedly unwilling to give a first-round pick for Okafor but are still interested in the young big man
Jahlil Okafor is currently still a member of the Philadelphia 76ers but that is expected to change soon.
For months now, the 76ers and Okafor parting ways has seemed like an eventual outcome, and recent events have only served to reinforce that notion.
Still, even if the split between the 76ers and Okafor is likely to occur, there are things that need to be settled before that can happen.
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For one, the 76ers will first need to find a trade partner for the young big man, and there may be one NBA franchise based in Boston who could fit the bill.
According to a recent article from the Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, the Boston Celtics are indeed interested in Okafor, but they have apparently set a limit for what they will trade in exchange for the 21-year-old center.
As Washburn noted, despite the team's interest, they are reportedly unwilling to send a first-round pick to Philadelphia in exchange for Okafor.
It is telling that the Celtics are apparently against trading a first-rounder for Okafor, even though that pick is likely going to fall in the mid to late 20s in the upcoming NBA Draft, since it suggests that they do not necessarily view him as some kind of game-changing player.
So should fans just rule out the possibility that the Celtics will end up with Okafor?
Fans may not want to do that just yet, especially since the Celtics still have plenty of desirable assets they can use to pry Okafor away from the 76ers.
The Celtics' roster features some intriguing young players who are not getting plenty of playing time right now. Forward Guerschon Yabusele is a particularly intriguing prospect, and perhaps he can figure into a deal for Okafor if the Celtics really feel like taking a closer look at the latter for themselves.
Plus, if the Celtics' interest in Okafor holds, then perhaps they may become willing to give up something more valuable in exchange for him if other NBA teams get involved.
Okafor's time with the 76ers is likely ending soon, and there is at least a possibility that the place where his career will continue on will be Boston.
