Rumor: Jahlil Okafor almost a Blazer, headed to Dallas?

Jah

By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly Staff

Brett Brown caught the attention of fans when he admitted that Jahlil Okafor was sitting out of a game due to a trade involving the center being close to completion.

Now we know more about what he was talking about.

David Aldridge reports that Okafor was sitting not because of a trade to New Orleans, as was speculated, but rather because he was almost traded to Portland to join the Trail Blazers:

As Aldridge notes, Portland received a first round pick in that deal and gave up Mason Plumlee. Surrendering a first round pick and/or acquiring a big man in return both could have been deal breakers for Bryan Colangelo.

Another report has recently emerged claiming that the Dallas Mavericks have previously inquired about Jahlil Okafor and could make a late push for him prior to the trade deadline from Sean Deveney of the Sporting News:

It makes sense that Dallas would pursue Okafor, with Dirk Nowitzki likely in his final season, Andrew Bogut out with injury, and Harrison Barnes being their only clear piece for the future. 

Okafor and Barnes would be two strong building blocks for Dallas to transition out of the Nowitzki era. 

Dallas lacks pieces to offer the Sixers, however. Dallas would have to offer a group of picks and players that they are not in a position to surrender without leaving their own team barren.

Deveney mentioned that there could be multiple dark house teams pursuing Okafor, but only listed Dallas as a possibility.

Chicago and New Orleans remain the two most likely suitors for Jahlil Okafor.

 

Go to top button