Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor could be traded to the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Charlotte Hornets appear as a possible destination for Philadelphia 76ers big man Jahlil Okafor.
The 76ers are still players in the trade market, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, as the team attempts to address their crowded frontcourt by unloading one of their young big men.
"The Sixers have had periodic trade talks this summer involving Noel and Okafor and plan eventually to move one of them, league sources said. Philadelphia doesn't believe the two players' talents are complementary," Wojnarowski wrote.
Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel are the likely two candidates, but recent rumors suggest the former could be the odd man out in Philadelphia as Joel Embiid would take over his role as the main option at the center position.
According to Young Kim of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, one possible destination for Okafor, should the 76ers picked him as the expendable piece, is the Charlotte Hornets, where the 20-year-old center could stage return to North Carolina.
"Surrounded by four capable shooters, Okafor could be the perfect addition to Charlotte. A minor meniscus injury aside, Jah should have nothing but a productive sophomore year. Just not in Philly," Kim wrote.
Okafor, who averaged 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds in his rookie season with the Sixers, would be a nice fit in Charlotte as what former-Hornets Al Jefferson was last season. Okafor's back-to-basket game draws great similarity to Jefferson's game, but only a more athletic and young version.
With plenty of shooters and a talented point guard in Kemba Walker, Okafor should flourish playing for the Hornets. Walker played effectively with Jefferson last season, and there is no reason he could not replicate some of those effectiveness with Okafor.
Roy Hibbert should also cover up any of Okafor's weaknesses on the defensive end, as well as the likes of Nicolas Batum and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who offer elite perimeter defense.
In Kim's trade scenario, the Hornets could give Jeremy Lamb, along with two future first rounders, to the 76ers for Okafor.
Lamb, who averaged 8.8 points on 45.1 shooting from the field last season, would bring potential and shooting to the 76ers, something they sorely need if they wish to maximize Ben Simmons' playmaking abilities.
It remains to be seen whether the 76ers would truly consider such deal, much less moving Okafor. But if they intend to do so, the Hornets may come up as one of the potential destinations for Okafor.
