Philadelphia 76ers: Updated trade options for Jahlil Okafor

By Simon Smith | Jul 11, 2017

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 12: Jahil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers during warm up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 12, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 23: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center on November 23, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 104-99 in double overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 23: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center on November 23, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 104-99 in double overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

4. Memphis Grizzlies

Despite the continued presence of All-Star center Marc Gasol, and point guard Mike Conley, the Grizzlies are a team in transition.

Already this summer, veteran free agents Zach Randolph and Vince Carter have signed deals elsewhere. Another experienced free agent, Tony Allen, also seems unlikely to return. As a result, it will be a vastly different looking Grizzlies unit compared to the “Grit-N-Grind’ group that has appeared in the playoffs the past seven seasons.

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Thus far, the Grizzlies have signed free agents Ben McLemore and Tyreke Evans to shore up their backcourt and wing spots. Due to their sustained success in reaching the postseason, the Grizzlies have not had the luxury of selecting high in the draft. Their last opportunity was in 2009, when they selected Hasheem Thabeet with No. 2 overall pick.

Acquiring a player of the caliber of Okafor represents a low-risk, high-reward move. While the presence of Gasol would restrict Okafor primarily to a backup role, the development Okafor would gain in such a role would be invaluable. One of the elite defensive centers in the game, Gasol’s knowledge and guidance would surely assist Okafor, who is certainly not known for defensive capabilities.

Furthermore, Gasol is now 32, and despite completing 74 games this season, is naturally at an ever-increasing risk as each season passes. Most recently, he missed the final 30 games of the 2015-16 season with a navicular bone fracture in his right foot. Brandan Wright would be sent out just to balance salaries. Not only does Wright’s $6 million salary come off the books after next season, he provides the Sixers another experienced big body to shore up their rotation.

With the status on another Grizzlies free agent, JaMychal Green, up in the air, this would be a great way to shore up their frontcourt. And from a contractual standpoint, Okafor is due to make $4.9 million this upcoming season, and $6.3 million in 2018-19.

However, with the final year being a team option, this moves allows the Grizzlies even more flexibility should the proposed partnership not work out as desired.