National Basketball Association

Trade Proposal: Jahlil Okafor from 76ers to Raptors for...

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Continuing with our attempts to buttress the Raptors big men, here’s another deal with Philadelphia.

I thought it might be fun to step out a wee bit on the Raptors trade front. In other words, let’s take a chance.

Jahlil Okafor of the Philadelphia 76ers could potentially be one of the NBA’s top centre/forwards within the next 3 years. He’s a young man with astonishing ability. Despite playing only 53 games his rookie season, he finished fifth in RoY voting after averaging 17+ points, 7 boards and more than a blocked shot per game. He’s all of 20 years old, and sadly, he often acts like it.

Dec 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) dribbles against Philadelphia 76ers center Jahil Okafor (8) in the fourth quarter at Air Canada Centre. Raptors beat 76ers 96 – 76. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Okafor was involved in several fights last season. I don’t know what fans would be drunk enough to challenge a man near 7 feet tall and very strong, but a few idiots did, and he rose to the bait. He was also caught speeding (really speeding!) by the cops near Philly. Clearly, this fellow has some growing up to do.

He’s also trapped in the crowded Philadelphia front court. Most teams would be thrilled to have one young giant with high potential on their team. The 76ers have four, with Okafor, Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid and now Ben Simmons ready to battle for minutes.

I don’t know whether Okafor’s off-court shenanigans have made him expendable to Philly, but let’s assume so for our purposes.

76ers get G Cory Joseph & 2017 first-round pick

Trade Analysis

The deal works financially because Philly is under the cap, so they can take back CoJo’s higher stipend. I’m throwing in the Raptors’ first-rounder (or the one owed by the Clippers – it doesn’t matter much) because I doubt the Colangelos want the firestorm which would result otherwise. The idea of trading a #3 selection for a backup point guard does seem odd, but the pick should help.

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I think this deal is feasible for both sides because the 76ers eliminate both the crowding in their front court, and a headache of a player. Their roster is not equipped to cope with a distraction like Okafor. The Raptors are taking a chance. Okafor could continue his pre-adolescent behaviour in Toronto, or in the presence of older players might calm down. There’s no way to be sure.

My position is simple: to acquire a player like Okafor, with almost limitless upside, you need to take a chance. Sure, we’d be sad to lose CoJo. He’s a fine player and a solid citizen – which is exactly why Philly would want him.

What do you say, Rapture Nation? Should Masai make the call to his erstwhile boss Bryan?