Jahlil Okafor would be ‘more than happy’ to remain with Sixers

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Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor  

The NBA trade deadline is one day away and the Philadelphia haven't made any moves yet. That could very well change in the next 24 hours with the team likely attempting to find suitors for Jahlil Okafor. The second-year big man has been the center point of trade rumors in Philadelphia over the last couple of weeks. A deal was reportedly close between the Sixers and Trail Blazers prior to the All-Star break, so Okafor sat out two games before Portland ended up acquiring Jusuf Nurkic from the Nuggets. The Pelicans also showed interest in Okafor, but instead worked out a deal with Sacramento for DeMarcus Cousins.

On Thursday, he'll find out whether he's going elsewhere this season or remaining with the Sixers.

“I’m just waiting to see what happens,” Okafor told reporters after practice on Wednesday. “I’m keeping my phone on, waiting to see what happens. Obviously, everybody knows the deadline in coming up tomorrow.”

After averaging over 17 points and seven rebounds per game as the primary center last season for the Sixers, Okafor's role has diminished to third string behind Joel Embiid, when healthy, and Nerlens Noel. Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer mentions the Lakers, Kings and Pacers as possible landing spots, but if he remains with the Sixers, Okafor is completely okay with it.

“I’m happy here,” Okafor told reporters. “I’ve been here. This is all I know as far as the NBA goes. I’ve gotten real comfortable with the coaches, and my teammates. If I'm here, I'd be more than happy."

The Sixers' next game isn't until Friday, so there's a chance that Jahlil Okafor completed his final practice with the Sixers on Wednesday. If it was, he deserves nothing but respect for the way he's handled everything thrown his way this season. Although his play has regressed, his maturity and professionalism have flourished, something NBA teams covet in the locker room.

 

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