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Washington Wizards Could Thrive With Philadelphia 76ers Center Jahlil Okafor

By Lucas Johnson

Feb 24, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) drives toward the net during the third quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at the Wells Fargo Center. Philadelphia won the game 120-112. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) drives toward the net during the third quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at the Wells Fargo Center. Philadelphia won the game 120-112. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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With potential discord with the Washington Wizards involving Marcin Gortat, it may allow the Philadelphia 76ers to find Jahlil Okafor to find a new home.

Normally Philadelphia 76ers fans do not care what happens to their rival just south of them in Washington D.C., however this may be the exception.  After all, the NBA offseason is upon us. And as it happens every year, teams that are not playing for the championship ring are starting to talk.  It seems the Washington Wizards are one such team.

According to J. Michael of CSN Mid Atlantic, he believes that Washington Wizards starting center Marcin Gortat expects a change in scenery based off of frustration with his role. On one hand, this may open up a need for at center in the Wizards roster if iGortat leaves the team. On the other hand, in a three team trade, the Philadelphia 76ers could come out as a big winner.  In summary, lets see how that works.

The Deal

And so, this is how the trade appears on ESPN Trade Machine. The graphics below will also illustrate the potential trade.

Why This Makes Sense.

The Wizards would get rid of an older disgruntled center and get a new younger center with upside. Okafor could provide a much needed scoring boost off the bench the Wizards most defiantly need. He will also provide salary cap relief for a team looking to improve. They only give up a second round pick in 2018 for the third overall pick in the 2015 draft.

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The Boston Celtics receive much needed relief at guard depth. The Celtics own the top selection in the 2017 draft and they are most likely taking guard Markelle Fultz with that pick.

Bradly Expendable

To begin trade considerations,  Isaiah Thomas is untouchable on the Celtics roster.  And so, Avery Bradley is the second oldest player earning the largest salary of all the guards. Therefore, it makes sense he is the odd man out. Fultz, or whomever the Celtics select, needs playing time. Bradley, as the default starter, would only stunt Fultz’s development, to the detriment of the Celtics.

Boston receives a experienced center to block shots and rebound. He would also allow the current starting center Al Horford to slide to the power forward position. Gortat would solve many roster problems the Celtics had last year.  We have other trade scenarios for Avery Bradley, but this one has a cheaper sticker price.

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Phillly Fortunate Too

On one hand, this trade helps the Philadelphia 76ers in several different aspects. First off, it finally removes the albatross which is Jahlil Okafor. On the other hand, Okafor has gotten a bad shake in Philadelphia by fans and writers, myself included. He needs a fresh start and the Wizards could be just what he needs. He can be in a second unit where he can be the focal point.

In essence the team surrenders two second round draft picks, likely draft and stash options, combine with center Jahlil Okafor, and turn them into Bradley. Bradley is a defensive ace who can be a great complement to Ben Simmons. Bradley is the perfect fit with the Sixers.

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Hopefully, Okafor will get a new home sooner or later. This is just one possible landing spot for the old school center.