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NBA Draft 2016: 5 draft day trades that will happen

By Dan Schmelzer

Dec 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) works the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99)in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) works the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99)in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jahlil Okafor
Feb 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) drives against Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

In order to balance their roster, the Philadelphia 76ers have let it be known they are interested in trading Jahlil Okafor and/or Nerlens Noel. Okafor is younger and a bigger offensive threat, and I imagine he will fetch more in a potential trade.

The 76ers should have their eye on the Phoenix Suns’ fourth overall pick. However, if Okafor were in this 2016 draft class, he would definitely be the third best player on the board and might legitimately challenge Simmons and Ingram at the top.

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That means the 76ers will be looking for a little more than just the fourth pick if they are going to deal Okafor. The Suns, meanwhile, will need to give something up if they are going to add Okafor’s salary to the books. Enter Alex Len.

Len was the fifth overall pick by the Suns in 2013, but he has been a bit of a disappointment through two seasons. He continues to struggle with injuries and does not bring much toughness to the floor when he is healthy.

Len brings some offensive upside at 7-foot-1, but he is far from a sure thing at this point in his career. Len would become one of several young post players for the 76ers. He would not be a full-time starter for the team, which would keep the starting spots open for Noel, Joel Embiid and the probable first overall pick in Simmons.

The 76ers would then have the fourth overall pick, and point guard Kris Dunn would be the obvious target for the team. If Dunn goes with the third pick, sharp shooter Jamal Murray would also be a strong fit in Philly.

In Phoenix, Okafor’s ability on the offensive side of the court would be a welcome addition, and they still get draft capital with the 24th pick. A team centered around Okafor, Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker has much more promise than Bledsoe, Booker, Len and the fourth pick.

Next: 3. Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings

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