Philadelphia 76ers Still Looking to Trade Jahlil Okafor
By now, basketball enthusiasts are probably just waiting for the Philadelphia 76ers to move Jahlil Okafor.
The Sixers didn't trade him this offseason, but everyone knows that his days with the team are numbered. It's just difficult to see where he fits in the rotation and he's clearly not part of their long-term plans. Earlier this summer, ESPN's Zach Lowe even noted that a trade was inevitable.
Okafor's name has been mentioned in trade rumors ever since the 2015–16 season trade deadline. The Sixers came close to trading him to the Portland Trail Blazers last February, but the deal broke down. He was nearly traded to New Orleans as well before the Pelicans acquired DeMarcus Cousins.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Since Okafor is always on the trading block, Sixers head coach Brett Brown didn't really surprise anyone when he openly admitted that team president/general manager Bryan Colangelo is still looking for a trade partner for the much-maligned center.
"Bryan's going to do his job. I'm going to coach him, and we are going to see what goes on with the rest of the league in relation to whatever else is out there. But I'm coaching him like he's mine," Brown said, via the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I am excited to coach him until somebody tells me that I'm not," he added.
Brown also noted that the center will get the chance to carve out a role on the team.
Okafor was used primarily as Joel Embiid's backup last season, but he would have to compete with Richaun Holmes and Amir Johnson for minutes this season. Holmes had a breakout year last season and he's a solid rim protector off the bench. Johnson is known for his defense as well and he should play significant minutes at the center and power forward positions.
Right now, Okafor's career outlook just doesn't look good if he stays with the team.
