Boston Celtics Interested in Center Jahlil Okafor, but Won't Give Up First-Round Pick to Get Him
The Boston Celtics have always held an interest in Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor. In fact, there were reports saying that they tried hard to trade up to select him in the 2015 draft. Unfortunately, the Sixers weren't interested in moving him at the time, so they had to back away.
Still, the Celtics have kept the former Duke University stand out on their radar and they have been linked to him in the multiple trade rumors over the years.
When Okafor's desire to leave the Sixers became public knowledge last week, Boston was once again mentioned as a potential landing spot. The Celtics may be interested in acquiring him, but Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe has reported that they don't want to to give up a first-round draft pick to get Okafor.
"Philadelphia does not want to buy out his contract and then watch him sign with a conference rival with no compensation. The Celtics have long held interest in Okafor, but as more of a project than an immediate contributor. Boston is also not willing to part with a first-round pick for Okafor," Washburn said in his report.
This supports what the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey said last week about the Celtics' unwillingness to give up much to acquire Okafor. That really shouldn't come as a surprise since Okafor's trade value is quite low right now.
The disgruntled center has only played in one game this season and the Sixers can't possibly increase his value by keeping him on the bench. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski has even reported that the Sixers are asking for future second-round draft picks in return for the former third-overall pick.
Okafor's skill set is limited, especially on the defensive end of the floor. However, he's still a decent basketball player who may benefit from a change of scenery, and he can give the Celtics a much-needed interior presence on the offensive end.
