It’s not really a secret that Philadelphia 76ers big man Jahlil Okafor has been on the trade block for some time now. In fact, these rumors have persisted since his rookie season with the team last year.
Now, just three weeks from the trade deadline, Philadelphia is reportedly in discussions in a deal that would send Okafor to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Philadelphia and New Orleans engaging in talks focused on a trade for 76ers center Jahlil Okafor, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2017
Okafor, 21, has been dealing with a knee injury that’s sidelined him for five of the team’s past eight games. The former No. 3 overall pick is averaging just 11.4 points and 4.8 rebounds as a sophomore.
It remains to be seen what Philadelphia might be able to get back in return for the Duke product, but Omer Asik likely wouldn’t be part of the deal. For their part, the Pelicans are said to be actively talking to multiple teams about acquiring a center. That includes Brooklyn Nets big man Brook Lopez.
New Orleans has been engaged on several fronts to land a center, including pursuit of Brooklyn's Brook Lopez, sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2017
The idea here would be to team Anthony Davis up with another big to form a stellar front line in New Orleans. That’s also been the biggest issue for the struggling Pelicans. They just haven’t been able to find the right mix of talent behind Davis to form a consistent playoff contender out west. Based on what we’ve seen from Okafor during his career, he likely wouldn’t be that much-needed piece.