Fansided

5 trades the Boston Celtics should explore

By Roje Smith

Dec 20, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center. The Trail Blazers defeated the Kings 126-121. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center. The Trail Blazers defeated the Kings 126-121. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jahlil Okafor – Philadelphia 76ers

Jahlil Okafor feels the same pain as Nikola Vucevic when it comes to his team’s situation. He is also stuck in a frontcourt logjam with the Philadelphia 76ers. Along with rookie sensation Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel, Jahlil is part of a messy three-headed dragon scenario.

Although the 76ers would love to find a way for all of them to co-exist, it’s probably for the best to trade one of them. Okafor, Embiid and Noel all have tremendous upside and the Sixers could receive some good value for one of them in return. The Celtics are a team that can provide that value and Okafor is someone that can fit in well with their current roster.

For some reason, Philadelphia isn’t featuring Jahlil as much as they did last year. Yes, the emergence of Joel Embiid is impressive, but he is on a minutes restriction and doesn’t play in back-to-back games. Therefore, it seems like Okafor should be the featured big man when Embiid doesn’t play.

However, this isn’t the case and it appears to be affecting the former Duke standout in a negative way. He comes across as completely disinterested at times and it shows in his lazy defensive efforts. As a matter of fact, he has looked disinterested in the Sixers from the moment that he was drafted.

Despite his lackluster defense and questionable jump shot, Okafor possesses All-Star upside. His low post scoring ability is nearly at an elite level and he’s only 21 years old. He can also rebound at a high level when he wants to.

The biggest knock on Jahlil is his effort and it may be a product of the team that he’s on. The Celtics can provide a better situation for him and can reap the benefits of his exceptional talent. In return, they can give Philadelphia a player or two that can give their rebuilding efforts more balance.

One valid trade would be Boston receiving Okafor in exchange for Marcus Smart. The Celtics can include Jaylen Brown in the deal or offer the promising rookie by himself. Smart and Brown give the Sixers’ roster more balance even with the pending return of rookie Ben Simmons. The Celtics can also include a draft pick with one of the aforementioned players.

On Boston end, a frontcourt of Al Horford and Okafor addresses their current rebounding and scoring issues in that area. It’s definitely a trade opportunity that the Celtics would be wise to explore before the deadline.

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