Jahlil Okafor warms up prior to the game against the Utah Jazz on October 30, 2015. (Photo : Getty Images/Mitchell Leff)
The Boston Celtics have been linked with superstars such as Russell Westbrook and Blake Griffin for the past couple of weeks. However, the latest rumors point to the Celtics acquiring Jahlil Okafor from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Boston has had a good offseason, adding All-Star center Al Horford to their already talented roster. General manager Danny Ainge tried to persuade Kevin Durant from joining the Celtics but he chose to sign with the Golden State Warriors.
Now, the Celtics have reportedly focused their attention on the trade market. They were linked with Westbrook and Griffin but their respective teams are determined not to make a deal. Nevertheless, Ainge and Isaiah Thomas were spotted in the West Coast and could be meeting those two players and their representatives.
On the other hand, Boston will still make a trade before the training camp starts in September. One league official said that Ainge is going to make a deal but people should not be surprised if he only makes a trade for Okafor, CSN New England reported.
The 20-year-old center has been part of trade rumors since the offseason started. The Sixers are full of big men with Okafor, Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid, Dario Saric and 2016 first overall pick, Ben Simmons all vying for minutes in the rotation.
Either Okafor or Noel is expected to be traded but the former may be the one to go. Okafor is the better scorer but Noel can defend, protect the rim and run the floor. Those abilities are a better fit for today's NBA than scoring in the post.
According to The Ringer, the Celtics can acquire Okafor without letting of 2016 third overall pick, Jaylen Brown and either one of the coveted first-round picks from the Brooklyn Nets. Boston has a host of young talent that could be helpful to the Sixers.
A combination of players such as Ben Bentil, R.J. Hunter, Demetrius Jackson, Jordan Mickey, Terry Rozier, Guerschon Yabusele, James Young, Ante Zizic and other future picks may be enough to get Okafor.
Even if the Celtics do not acquire a star player from the trade market this offseason, they are still considered a top contender in the East. They have a pair of All-Stars in Thomas and Horford while also boasting one of the best head coaches in the NBA, Brad Stevens.
Check out the video below to see one of the best games in Okafor's rookie year against the Portland Trail Blazers.
