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Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Wednesday that the Boston Celtics would be the most likely destination for Sixers center Jahlil Okafor if bought out of his contract.
Assuming @JahlilOkafor did get a buyout, the #Celtics would be the most likely destination for the center.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) November 1, 2017
The Sixers recently declined Okafor’s fourth-year option for the 2018-19 season and are looking to move the big man upon his request. Okafor reportedly wants a buyout from the Sixers, but Philadelphia’s front office has denied that request so far. According to Pompey, the Celtics’ interest in Okafor has been the main reason Philadelphia would rather trade him.
The Cs have expressed a lot of interest and have a disabled player exception. #Sixers are aware of that, perhaps that's why no buyout. https://t.co/xsp5h6VNVO
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) November 1, 2017
The Celtics are still holding on to two open roster spots and a Disabled Player Exception of over $8 million following the Gordon Hayward injury. Okafor has only played in one game for the Sixers this season and would add some depth to the Celtics’ front court.
Okafor coming to Boston would likely be a resurrection project after struggling in Philadelphia as a former third overall pick. Celtics coach Brad Stevens has a history of succeeding with similar cases, such as Evan Turner and Jordan Crawford. It will be interesting to see if the Celtics’ front office will engage Philadelphia in trade talks or just wait for them to grant Okafor’s buyout request.