While the writing has been on the wall in bright red ink for some time now, the rocky marriage between the 76ers and former No. 3 pick Jahlil Okafor is officially headed to a foreseeable end.
The 76ers have officially decided not to pick up the option for the final year of Jahlil Okafor’s rookie contract next season and according to Okafor’s wishes he appears headed for a buyout or trade in the coming weeks.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Celtics appear poised to be the destination for Okafor whether through a buyout or a trade.
Assuming @JahlilOkafor did get a buyout, the #Celtics would be the most likely destination for the center.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) November 1, 2017
The Cs have expressed a lot of interest and have a disabled player exception. #Sixers are aware of that, perhaps that's why no buyout. https://t.co/xsp5h6VNVO
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) November 1, 2017
Because of Gordon Hayward’s injury, the Celtics have a disabled player exception that they can use to absorb Okafor’s contract and clearly have plenty of future draft picks and young players at their disposal to use in any hypothetical trade with the 76ers for Okafor.
Boston has been one of the better defensive teams in the NBA thus far this season but has a need for depth and scoring prowess down low, therefore Okafor could be a perfect fit for them.
I have a feeling this will get done soon whether through trade or buyout and Okafor will finally be released from basketball purgatory in Philadelphia.
