Philadelphia 76ers Trade Rumors: Jahlil Okafor May Be Traded This Summer
When the Philadelphia 76ers selected Jahlil Okafor as the third overall selection of the 2015 NBA Draft, the consensus was that he would be one of the cornerstones of in rebuilding the franchise. But after another losing season, coupled with the young man's off-court issues, it looks like the plan is suddenly changing directions.
The Sixers are one of the most ridiculed teams in the NBA right now, but it's hard to blame the franchise for seemingly wanting to lose games than win them. That's part of the rebuilding process; even though fans aren't happy about it, it certainly looks like the process will be taking longer than expected.
Reports from several news outlets say that the team is likely going to trade Okafor, even though he is averaging a team high 17.5 points per game. The 20-year old had to abruptly end his season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, and the team is rumored to be at a dilemma of trading either him or another injured big man, Joel Embiid, per Fox Sports report.
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Team executives and the coaching staff should be confused right now as both players are almost identical in terms of skillset. While that seems to be a good thing most of the time, it isn't for the Sixers. Both can be liabilities at the defensive end since they aren't as quick as hybrid power forwards in the league. But if Embiid pulls off a miracle by becoming fully healthy this offseason, there is a good chance Okafor will see himself getting traded.
While it isn't clear why Okafor is the likely one to go, there is speculation that the team may have regretted in selecting him as third overall in the draft. They could have chosen D'Angelo Russell if given the opportunity or would have opted for someone like Kristaps Porzingis if they only knew he could be that good.
But here is now; Okafor is already wearing a Philly uniform. It's really up to management to make a crucial decision after this season. After all, they're not really thinking about making the playoffs next year, right?
