As Kyle Neubeck of Philly Voice first reported on Tuesday, the Philadelphia 76ers have declined their fourth-year option on Jahlil Okafor, setting him up for unrestricted free agency this summer.
The move isn’t surprising in a vacuum. The Sixers don’t have room for Okafor with Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Dario Saric up front. Richaun Holmes will factor into the rotation as well, and if Okafor cannot get playing time now, with Amir Johnson as his primary competition, he isn’t ever getting it in Philly.
At the same time, teams don’t typically give up on No. 3 picks this easily. Normal protocol would have the Sixers pick up Okafor’s option and continue to try trading him. They’ve essentially prioritized cap space over whatever trade value he may have.
Of course, Okafor might not have any value on the trade market, which would explain why the Sixers declined his option in the first place. And though ESPN.com’s Adrian Wojnarowski says a trade is still possible, The New York Times‘ Marc Stein has heard that a buyout is on the table:
Sources say Okafor may opt to push for a buyout agreement now that the former No. 3 overall pick will be an unrestricted free agent in July
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 31, 2017
If the Sixers’ plan is to let Okafor simply come off the books, buying him out makes sense. They’ll shave a little off the top of his salary this year while still enjoying the benefits that come with striking his cap hold from the record next summer.
Brokering a buyout also makes it easier for Okafor to choose his next destination. He doesn’t have control over where the Sixers will trade him. If he’s bought out and clears waivers, though, he’ll be able to pick his next home. (Cough, San Antonio, cough.)
