The Sixer Sense
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5 Landing Destinations For Jahlil Okafor

By Josh Wilson

Feb 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) holds the ball away from Washington Wizards forward Jared Dudley (1) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) holds the ball away from Washington Wizards forward Jared Dudley (1) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; General view outside of the TD Garden prior to a game between the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; General view outside of the TD Garden prior to a game between the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics

Yes, I’m sure you saw this one coming. The Boston Celtics reportedly were targeting Jahlil Okafor at the trade deadline this year, and that precedent is leading to a lot of speculation regarding moving him this summer. The Celtics obtaining the third overall pick, and the Sixers not getting both the fourth overall and first overall pick only fuels those rumors.

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Danny Ainge went public about the Celtics almost deal at the deadline, and was not very secretive about who the player was. He didn’t use his name, but he gave serious hints that made it obvious. I’m not sure this sits well with the Sixers, as most teams don’t particularly like rumors out there being publicly fueled by team general managers.

The Sixers could send Okafor to Boston in return for the third overall pick, and then be able to do what they wish with it. They could draft Kris Dunn who they were very high on at the NBA Draft Combine, or Jamal Murray. The options the Sixers have with the top pick and the third pick are seemingly limitless, as only two players will be off of the draft board at that point.

The only thing I see standing in the way here is that the Celtics have a chance to pick up Dragan Bender with the third overall pick, thus possibly nullifying the need for Okafor.

Next: 76ers Shouldn't Trade During NBA Draft

I still think Boston thinks a lot about this deal if the Sixers offer it to them, despite there not being as much of a need for him now that they’ve secured the third overall pick. Ainge seemed to be obsessed with Okafor, and the Sixers could use that to their advantage. The Celtics will give the most back in return for Okafor compared to every other team.