Boston Celtics reluctant to trade first round pick for Jahlil Okafor
Earlier this week, we learned that Philadelphia 76er's bigman Jahlil Okafor was on the trading block for the nth time in his 3 year career.
Okafor, who has only appeared in one game for Philly thus far this season, is unhappy with being out of the rotation and seeks a buyout.
The big man has been linked to the Boston Celtics repeatedly in past trade talks. However, the Sixers hope to receive something in return, and are seeking trade options before considering a buyout.
The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn reports that Boston is unwilling to part with a first round pick to trade for 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. The 76ers have done a poor job of showcasing Okafor and maintaining his market value. He has played just one game this season, scoring 10 points in 22 minutes in a blowout loss to Toronto on Oct. 21.
Okafor has gotten into premium shape and has the ability to run the floor, but he hasn’t attempted a 3-pointer since his rookie season. The question for interested teams is whether Okafor can serve as a consistent post presence. There are plenty of teams willing to give a 21-year-old former top prospect an opportunity. But the 76ers aren’t giving him away for free.
The Sixers have demanded too much for their players in the past and then lost them for nearly nothing (see Nerlens Noel).
If Philadelphia's front office is unable to find any teams willing to meet their trade demands, a buyout is a possibility. This would be the most likely scenario for Okafor to end up in green, especially if the Celtics could sign him for the minimum as opposed to using their DPE from Gordon Hayward's injury.
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