Jahlil Okafor (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers could be looking to trade for Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton as Philly attempts to build around first overall pick Ben Simmons.
The 76ers did the expected, drafting Simmons in the 2016 NBA draft as the first overall pick. With Simmons on board, the 76ers now shift their focus in acquiring pieces to surround the Australian phenom, who could be very efficient on the court if surrounded by shooters.
According to USA Today's FTW writer Steven Ruiz, the 76ers could explore trading expendable big man Jahlil Okafor to the Bucks for Middleton in hopes to compensate for Simmons flaw of poor outside shooting.
"Okafor could (and probably should) be the odd man out. A lineup with featuring both Simmons and Okafor would have spacing issues and would struggle on the defensive end. Colangelo could flip him for a shooter like Khris Middleton, who can score from anywhere on the court, and more draft picks to fill out the roster," Ruiz wrote.
Last year, Middleton signed a five-year $70 million contract with the Bucks as he became a valuable scorer to a team that also lacks outside shooters. Middleton, who averaged 18.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Bucks last season, would give the 76ers a reliable scoring option and another versatile player who can defend multiple positions.
The 76ers have a projected max salary cap space of $61.2 million this summer, enough to absorb Middleton's contract and sign another veteran free agent who can help space the floor. However, it would not make much sense for Bucks to acquire another offensive minded center in Okafor, with Greg Monroe already in their fold.
Okafor, despite showing some rookie brilliance last season with averages of 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, still needs to improve on his defense. Monroe offers the same package of skills and lack of defense, which makes it unlikely for the Bucks consider taking Okafor.
Nerlens Noel, who has also been linked to trade rumors in the past month, could be an enticing piece for the Bucks as they look to add rim protection. ESPN's Marc Stein reported that the 76ers are actively shopping their tradable big men, including Noel, making a potential deal for the Bucks sweeter.
The 76ers trading for Middleton may not come into fruition, with Bucks likely to keep one of their key scorers. But it is probably safe to speculate that Philadelphia will be more aggressive in acquiring veterans and key players in the offseason, especially with Simmons finally in Philly.
