Jahlil Okafor (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics have not landed a big trade this season, but rumors have it that the Cs may have been waiting in the offseason to strike a major acquisition.
According to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, the Celtics are eyeing Philadelphia 76ers Jahlil Okafor once the summer market opens, where the team will have a clear view on what needs to improve in their roster.
Bulpett noted that while the Celtics were rumored to be focused in acquiring Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love during the trading season, Okafor was the late target at the deadline general manager Danny Ainge was talking about.
Obviously, the rumor did not materialize, but that does not mean the Celtics will let go of pursuing the Rookie of the Year candidate.
As for Okafor, he was aware of his name being thrown at the rumor mill in recent days, especially when the trade deadline is nearing, but the 76ers' third overall pick in the recent draft said he was assured by the team he would stay as one of their building pieces.
"I'm fine," Okafor said, reports The Philadelphia Inquirer. "Rumors have been coming out about me all year. It's just rumors. People here, I talked to them [beforehand]. We are all good where we are at right now."
Instead of orchestrating a blockbuster deal, the Celtics just opted to waive All-Star forward David Lee, freeing a spot to Boston's roster.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens said the team plans to look for a player who has versatility or shooting to fill their available roster spot.
"I think that we'll continue to look for versatility," Stevens said, reports Mass Live.
"And we'll continue to look for shooting if the right people become available, if we feel like it's a great fit for our team or if we need them based on injuries or whatever the case may be."
Surprisingly, even without a superstar, the Celtics managed to keep hold of the fourth spot in the East with a winning record of 33-25. However, they are still not a solid title contender, which means their offseason move could certainly depend on their campaign come playoff time.
