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Dallas Mavericks Dark Horse In Hunt For Philadelphia 76ers’ Jahlil Okafor

By Lucas Johnson

Jan 18, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) warms up before action against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 94-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) warms up before action against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 94-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor might be on the move before the trade deadline February 23, 2017. The Mavericks have become the dark horse team to get him.

Fans have grown frustrated with the plethora of centers the Philadelphia 76ers have this season. With three starting caliber centers in Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel, and Jahlil Okafor; as well as quality back up in Richaun Holmes, it is fair to say that the franchise has a roster imbalance.

Okafor is the odd man out due to his lack of defensive ability and overall poor eye-test results. For weeks now there have been possible trade partners that the Sixers have talked with, but now there is an unlikely trade partner that is coming out of the shadows.

As first reported by Sean Deveney of Sporting News,

"“A source said that the Mavericks had previously inquired about Okafor, and could revisit those talks as the deadline nears.”"

If the Dallas Mavericks do engage in trade talks with the Sixers, what could they possibly offer? The most value they could give is a first-round pick, but as the Sixers have already experienced this season, teams aren’t willing to surrender that much for Okafor.

Dallas is starting a rebuild of their own as welll, so giving up first round picks is almost out of the question. Besides a young player or two along with Andrew Bogut‘s contract, the Mavericks don’t have a lot to offer. A two team trade between the Sixers and Mavs is just not plausible.

Bringing in a third team would be the Sixers best option.

If a third team wants Bogut for a playoff push then unloading something like a young player would be more than fair for the third team. The Boston Celtics would be a great team to help facilitate a three-team trade. Now, I have come up with a proposed three team trade between the Sixers, Mavs, and Celtics on the ESPN Trade Machine.

In this trade, Dallas would receive Jahlil Okafor, Boston would get Andrew Bogut, and Philadelphia would be rewarded with Amir Johnson, Terry Rozier and Justin Anderson.

This would help Boston get the shot blocking and rim protection that it has been missing this season with Bogut. The Mavs receive the big man of the future, and the Sixers would receive two perimeter players that could develop into scary defensive players.

The Sixers would reach the salary cap floor by taking Amir Johnson‘s contract. Dallas may have to send a second-round pick or so to the Sixers to make the trade fair, but getting Justin Anderson and Terry Rozier along with those picks is more than fair for Okafor.

Whether or not this trade, or any trade with Dallas will happen is yet to be seen, however, if it does occur then it will be a good for Okafor.

Dirk Nowitzki can help mentor the young player in post and mid range moves. There will also be no other players there that would clog up the lane for him. Also, it is a fresh start which, at this point, is something that he needs.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers: T.J. McConnell’s Long-Term Potential

Stay posted to The Sixer Sense for more Philadelphia 76ers news and trade rumors this upcoming up week.