As we detailed earlier today, Jahlil Okafor told reporters on Wednesday that he has asked the Sixers about buying him out, and would like to be traded or bought out as soon as possible.
We passed along a small portion of Okafor’s comments in that story, but Rich Hofmann of The Athletic has a more detailed account of what the third-year big man told reporters today. Hofmann’s piece, which is available to non-subscribers, is worth checking out in full, particularly for Sixers fans, since Okafor is refreshingly frank about his situation. Here are a few highlights:
On the Sixers’ reaction to his request for a buyout:
“I only talked about it with [president of basketball operations] Bryan [Colangelo] and he just said that he felt that if he bought me out, another team would be getting me for free. But that’s where we stand today, because he waited so long to trade me. There’s nothing else to do. I’m not playing here and at the end of this season, I’m an unrestricted free agent. I want to be on the court and play.”
On when he decided he’d like to be bought out:
“Yesterday. I didn’t expect November 1st to hit, that I would be here. That’s why these past few weeks when we got asked the question about the rotation and stuff like that, I’ve been calm because I didn’t think I would still be here today. I didn’t think that Bryan would keep me, honestly. But here I am, November 1st I’m still here and looking to play somewhere. I’m 21, I’m healthy, and I’m trying to get on the court.”
On his trade value and why he wants out of Philadelphia:
“Teams are not really looking to give up anything when somebody can walk out of the door at the end of the season. So it puts me in a tough spot because I want to be on the court. This is my life, this is my career, and I’m not getting an opportunity here, which is fine. The team looks great and I’m not a part of that. They’re going to continue to do great things, but at the same time, I want to play.”
On whether he feels like there were trades the Sixers could have made:
“Yeah, talking with my agent, there were definitely deals on the table. Bryan didn’t deem they were fair, which I understand, I’m a number three pick. But at the same time, that’s what teams were offering. Me and my agent started getting the hint that they weren’t going to offer more, so it’s rather that you’re going to make a move on it or not. And he waited too long, and now I’m here today. I’m not saying a trade is impossible, but I just know it’s going to be really difficult knowing that I’m an unrestricted free agent after the season.”
While we wait to see what the Sixers do with Okafor, the Celtics are a team to watch, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, who notes (via Twitter) that Boston has shown “a lot of interest” in the young center.
Pompey believes the C’s would be the most likely landing spot for Okafor in the event of a buyout, though it’s not clear if the team is willing to give up anything of value in a trade.
So Boston gets that money for Hayward’s injury and Okafor will be bought out? Ainge is about to swoop in and sign Okafor, he can average 17-18 points in Stevens system.
He is the exact opposite of Stevens system, not a good rebounder, passer, offensively limited and defensively lazy, not a good combination
Yeah the Celts were more interested in Noel than Okafor
The situation is ridiculous. Bottom line is, a guy talented enough to play at the top level, is being left on the bench due to the Front Offices absolute ineptitude. He should be playing, not having to deal with this mess.
Agreed. Johnson hasn’t done anything to impress me coming off the bench. With Holmes out, its ridiculous that they aren’t giving him any time to prove himself. He came to camp in better shape, he’s more aggressive defensively. This front office and they’re misinformation and misuse is beyond frustrating at this point.
Johnson plays defense.
And hooray,Okafor got in shape after 2 years of having his commitment questioned and finding out his value plummeted.
6ers got a player out of Dallas’ rotation and a 2nd Rd pick for Noel, highly doubtful they’re asking for much for Okafor. And with our rotation set, there’s no reason the 6ers should accept much less in return for Okafor.
And don’t forget the Balloon Headed Coach in Brett Brown!
It was a bad situation for Okafor. 3 young bigs on the same team. He needs to be on a team with a strong coach and veteran leadership. One that can help him start shining. The Spurs come to mind.
This offseason is going to be tough for him though. Noel is set to be on the market as well (why did Noel turn down $17M/year!?!).
The young big picked in the 2nd round of the same draft played his way into the rotation pretty well.
When Noel and Okafor were both here together, the team liked Noel more, so I doubt they’re asking for more in a trade. And the 6ers have no reason to let him go for nothing until we can’t get anything.Even then only if we need to use the roster spot.and it’s even more unlikely we’ll need the roster spot then in years past, since there’s 2 additional roster spots for 2 way players.