The Sixer Sense
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The Four Most Likely Trades for Philadelphia 76ers Big Men

By Mike O'connor

Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Nerlens Noel (M) and forward Ben Simmons (R) during a timeout in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Nerlens Noel (M) and forward Ben Simmons (R) during a timeout in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 21, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) makes a jump shot during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the 76ers 129-103. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) makes a jump shot during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the 76ers 129-103. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Okafor to Dallas

Sixers Receive: Shabazz Muhammad, 2017 Dallas First Round pick (Top-8 Protection for 2 years)

Mavericks Receive: Jahlil Okafor

Timberwolves Receive: Andrew Bogut

Why it happens: For the Sixers, this would be a tremendous haul for Jahlil Okafor. Muhammad, once thought to be the best prospect in his draft class, is an underrated wing prospect who has been one of the best off-ball cutting guards in the league. He’s a right place, right time player who doesn’t need a set play to seep into creases in the defense. Timing is one of the best aspects of his game. Notice how he doesn’t oversell the cut here – he lulls Jerami Grant to sleep.

His cutting combined with his improved jump shot makes him an ideal compliment to Ben Simmons. While Dallas is unlikely to finish outside of the top-8 in the next two years, another first round pick is always a valued asset.

Related Story: Must Read: NBA Trade Rumors: PhilaDEALphia 2016 Trade Holiday Anthology

From the Mavs’ perspective, their merry-go-round of past prime veterans surrounding Dirk Nowitzki is coming to an end. The Mavs’ front office is finally recognizing that it is time to begin planning for the post-Dirk era. With this deal, the Mavs get to shed the contract of Andrew Bogut and take a flyer on Jahlil Okafor to see if Rick Carlisle can teach him to play defense. The Mavericks would also provide Okafor with more shooting, spacing, and skill at his disposal than any point during his tenure with the Sixers.

As for the Timberwolves, Bogut can fill any number of roles around their young core. Bogut could start alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, taking away a lot of the low-post physical burden as well as giving Thibodeau the opportunity to run a lot of the high-low sets that he ran in Chicago through Joakim Noah. This would also open up a lot of sets for Minnesota’s young wings through dribble hand-offs in the same way that Bogut did for Golden State. See if these look familiar.

Bogut would also provide the team with a necessary veteran presence in a locker room that is struggling to see eye to eye with its head coach. With their glut of wings and shooting guards, Muhammad is a minor and necessary casualty of the group. Should Bogut fit, they could re-sign Bogut for a reasonable price this summer.