Sixers
Rumor: Jahlil Okafor almost a Blazer, headed to Dallas?
Published18 Feb 2017
By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly Staff 
Brett Brown caught the attention of fans when he admitted that Jahlil Okafor was sitting out of a game due to a trade involving the center being close to completion.
Now we know more about what he was talking about.
David Aldridge reports that Okafor was sitting not because of a trade to New Orleans, as was speculated, but rather because he was almost traded to Portland to join the Trail Blazers:
The 76ers pulled Jahlil Okafor from their lineup last week b/c a deal w/Portland for the center was close to happening, per league sources.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) February 18, 2017
The Blazers, however, decided instead to do a trade w/Denver for Jusuf Nurkic & a 2017 first-round pick, giving Portland three 2017 firsts.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) February 18, 2017
As Aldridge notes, Portland received a first round pick in that deal and gave up Mason Plumlee. Surrendering a first round pick and/or acquiring a big man in return both could have been deal breakers for Bryan Colangelo.
Another report has recently emerged claiming that the Dallas Mavericks have previously inquired about Jahlil Okafor and could make a late push for him prior to the trade deadline from Sean Deveney of the Sporting News:
The @chicagobulls , @PelicansNBA still favorites, but source says @dallasmavs are a drakhorse for Jahlil Okafor:https://t.co/MnEaAeSOLA
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) February 18, 2017
It makes sense that Dallas would pursue Okafor, with Dirk Nowitzki likely in his final season, Andrew Bogut out with injury, and Harrison Barnes being their only clear piece for the future.
Okafor and Barnes would be two strong building blocks for Dallas to transition out of the Nowitzki era.
Dallas lacks pieces to offer the Sixers, however. Dallas would have to offer a group of picks and players that they are not in a position to surrender without leaving their own team barren.
Deveney mentioned that there could be multiple dark house teams pursuing Okafor, but only listed Dallas as a possibility.
Chicago and New Orleans remain the two most likely suitors for Jahlil Okafor.
