The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Is a Jahlil Okafor trade imminent?

By Christopher Kline

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 14: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a free throw during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 14, 2017 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 14: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a free throw during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 14, 2017 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Philadelphia 76ers are doubling down on frontcourt depth heading into training camp. Does that have anything to do with a potential Jahlil Okafor trade?

In last week’s media luncheon, Brett Brown and the Philadelphia 76ers admitted to something just about every basketball fan already knew — they were looking for Jahlil Okafor deals. Okafor struggled to stay on the court at times last season, and even an improved physique doesn’t guarantee any tangible growth in his outdated, heavily flawed approach to the game.

Joel Embiid, Richaun Holmes and Amir Johnson should all be getting more minutes if Okafor is still on the roster next season, as they present positives that Jah hasn’t shown he’s capable of providing. Whether it’s spacing out to the perimeter or smart, energetic defense, all three of those names are miles ahead of Okafor as a player.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

There’s still a space for Okafor in the NBA, as some subtle improvements could go a long way towards helping him become a real asset off the bench. Philadelphia might not be the best spot for that, though, and their continued pursuit of a trade means that sentiment is held by the higher-ups in the organization as well.

One thing we don’t have a grasp on is just how soon a trade could come. Their return won’t bring much value regardless, but ridding themselves of whatever distraction he may present could be in the Sixers’ best interest. Okafor has shown impressive commitment to Philadelphia this offseason — so it’s difficult to expect any locker room issues if he does stay — but it’s one less thing the media can keep hitting on.

For a young team looking to break their way into the playoffs, extra media pressure, no matter the source, isn’t ideal.

The Sixers latest roster moves could mean they’re moving closer to a deal in the foreseeable future, as they’ve added a pair of potentially-viable reserves to their training camp roster in Kris Humphries and Emeka Okafor. Humphries in particular showed legit value as a reserve last season, and reportedly had strong workouts with the team last week.

Neither Humphries nor Emeka would take on a substantial role if added to the 15-man roster, but they could provide a serviceable fill-in if the team is able to move on from Okafor. They’ll also have James Michael McAdoo joining the team on a two-way contract, with guards James Blackmon Jr. and Jacob Pullen giving them some additional options in training camp to boot.

The inclusion of (Emeka) Okafor on the team’s training camp roster was a bit of a surprise, as the injury-riddled 34-year-old hasn’t played NBA basketball since the 2012-13 season. He was the No. 2 pick back in 2004, though, and could bring some value as a veteran in the locker room.

Replacing one Okafor with another would certainly be a neat headline, if nothing else.

There’s no certainty that those additions mean anything with regards to Okafor. Humphries could go through training camp and latch on to a league-minimum deal elsewhere, while Okafor could look to do the same — or perhaps even chase an assistant coaching gig.

Next: Top 30 players in Sixers franchise history

They’ve given themselves the options if an Jah trade does go down. That’s the most important thing to take away from this.