Nick Piccone
Since we’ve learned that this Sixers team definitely can’t coexist with Joel Embiid, Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel all vying for court time, the favorite scenario among most Sixers fans is for the team to somehow trade away Okafor. Noel and Embiid have played very well together on the court, moreso than Okafor and Embiid. In fact, Okafor seemingly makes Embiid worse.
That’s probably why it’d behoove the Sixers to trade Okafor. The thing is, most teams know of their trade pieces, Noel is likely the most attractive option for any acquiring team. But, according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski, the New Orleans Pelicans are in discussions with the Sixers to acquire Okafor.
Philadelphia and New Orleans engaging in talks focused on a trade for 76ers center Jahlil Okafor, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) February 6, 2017
RELATED: Jahlil Okafor Scores … for the Sacramento Kings
USA Today NBA Insider, Sam Amick, is reporting the Pelicans want lottery protection for the draft pick they’d give to the Sixers. It seems like that’s the sticking point so far.
According to two people with knowledge of the situation, the Pelicans are in serious trade talks with the Philadelphia 76ers to acquire second-year big man Jahlil Okafor. The Sixers, who are known to have engaged with eight teams regarding Okafor, are pushing for the Pelicans’ first-round pick in the deal. The people spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the talks.
UPDATE: The Sixers, who have been rumored to want Jrue Holiday back, apparently caught the Pelicans off guard and wanted to expand this deal. The Pelicans don’t want to trade Holiday.
David Aldridge says a deal is not imminent.
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