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It appears the Jahlil Okafor trade sweepstakes may soon announce a winner.
Okafor was slated to start in Saturday night’s game versus the Miami Heat, but reportedly 20 minutes before tip-off, Nerlens Noel learned he would draw the start in Okafor’s place at center.
Then, moments later, witnesses observed Okafor shaking hands as though he was saying good-bye to teammates and other Philadelphia staff.
Jahlil Okafor shaking hands with #Sixers personnel behind the scenes like he's saying Good-Bye. Traded? I think so!!!
— Garry Cobb (@GarryCobb) February 12, 2017
Towards the end of the Heat-76er contest, we learned Okafor received a coaching-DNP because trade talks had ramped up and Philadelphia didn’t want to risk injury.
Sixers, about to break Miami’s 13-game win streak, held Jahlil Okafor out of tonight’s game as trade discussions gain momentum, per sources.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) February 12, 2017
News of a potential trade between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Philadelphia 76ers was first announced this past Monday, with the likeliest proposal suggesting an Okafor swap for Alexis Ajinca and the Pelicans 2018 first-round pick. Despite a number of outlets reporting the potential deal had reached serious discussions, nothing came to fruition because of a disagreement on the trade protections of the future draft pick.
Now, five days later, an ending appears in sight.
Hearing that Jahlil Okafor has told teammates he anticipates being traded soon.
— Jake Pavorsky (@JakePavorsky) February 12, 2017
While no deal is imminent for Okafor, talks progressing, more advanced than previous ones with Bulls and Pelicans, according to sources.
— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoCSN) February 12, 2017
Multiple sources are reporting talks have reached a new advanced stage and it appears the New Orleans Pelicans are the leading contender, ahead of the Bulls, Blazers and Lakers.
Source: Expect Okafor trade to be completed in the next day or so. Can't go back after pulling him from lineup today. NOP leading contender.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 12, 2017
Stay tuned because Jahlil Okafor may on his way to New Orleans in less than 24 hours!