After a couple of months, the Philadelphia 76ers have found their trade partner for Jahlil Okafor. Reports show that the Sixers are about to trade Jahlil Okafor to the New Orleans Pelicans in the next couple of days.
According the ESPN, the Sixers and the Pelicans are currently in negotiation, a deal that would send the 2015 third overall pick Jahlil Okafor to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Alexis Ajinca along with a future 2018 first-round pick. The deal is still in discussion and still haven't inked yet, but it seems that the deal would push through as the Pelicans are also looking to increase their inside scoring this season.
The Sixers are obviously now taking a step forward, aligning their roster as part of preparation in the next couple of NBA seasons. The Sixers are known to have a glut of big men in their current roster, so it's no surprise that they are sending one of them.
In a report made by the USA Today, Jahlil Okafor is currently being marginalized by Joel Embiid and the paint-protector Nerlens Noel. Jahlil Okafor was drastically affected by the emergence of Joel Embiid, knowing that Embii can score inside and out of the paint and is a far better defender than Okafor.
The Sixers have received several calls from different teams around the NBA, these calls are to offer a deal for either Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor. This is the first time since the NBA off-season that the Sixers officially announce a potential deal regarding Okafor.
Jahlil Okafor performed well during his rookie season, that even several basketball analysts thought that he could be the right man-in-the-middle for the Sixers. Unfortunately, as Joel Embiid enters the court this season, Embiid provides more fire power to the team. Embiid played his best every night, providing greater numbers and defensive stops while playing in a very limited minutes as a starter.
Moving forward, Jahlil Okafor could be a good backup center for Anthony Davis. The New Orleans Pelicans can provide him the development he needs and utilize his potential up to the fullest.
