July 11, 2016
Ever since the Sixers landed the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, second-year center Jahlil Okafor has been part of trade speculation (including some from here). The Sixers probably have too many young players that demand playing time in the frontcourt on the roster, so Okafor and Nerlens Noel seem like the likeliest candidates to be on the move.
It’s not like reporters are the only ones hinting at a possible trade, either. Bryan Colangelo has talked multiple times about trying to assemble a more positionally balanced roster. Brett Brown said he would be surprised if the Sixers start next season with the same group of bigs they currently have.
Last night on Twitter, Okafor addressed the trade speculation in a series of tweets:
One second I'm reportedly upset to be in Philly, then the next I'm upset about trade rumors and having to leave Philly.
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) July 11, 2016
Which one is it? Source please confirm. Seems like writers are getting lazy, dropping a fraudulent story and try to make it credible by
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) July 11, 2016
Using that magic word.... Sources! Lol stop it.
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) July 11, 2016
With all that being said. I love where I am, and I am excited about this upcoming season. Big season for us! #Philly
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) July 11, 2016
Sometimes we forget that wealthy and famous pro athletes are still people with real emotions, and having to hear your name attached to all sorts of trade rumors must be difficult. Okafor set the record straight that he’s happy in Philly, but the question still remains if he’ll be a Sixer this fall.
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
