Philadelphia 76ers: 3 reasons Jahlil Okafor needs a contract buyout

The Philadelphia 76ers’ saga with Jahlil Okafor continues and quite frankly, they should just buy out his contract already.

If you’re a Philadelphia 76ers fan hoping Jahlil Okafor is going to be traded soon, you have to be scratching your head by now. After the Sixers balked on trading Okafor prior to last year’s NBA Trade Deadline, the third-year big man has yet to be moved to another franchise.

Okafor hasn’t played in a game for the 76ers since Oct. 21, back when he put up 10 points, nine rebounds and two blocks in a 128-94 loss to the Toronto Raptors. Since then, he’s been a DNP-CD or inactive. On Oct. 31, the Sixers declined the team-option on the fourth-year of Okafor’s contract, which at worst makes him a free agent in 2018.

Okafor could become a free agent a whole lot sooner if they buy out his contract, something they need to do sooner rather than later. Philadelphia is 5-4 already this season and is well on its way to breaking last season’s win total of eight (knock on wood). With Okafor well out of the Sixers’ rebuilding plans, it may be time to get rid of him.

Their reluctance to retain Okafor’s salary does give them cap space but it also lessens his value on the trade market. At this point, looking for the “right” deal does more harm than good for both parties involved.

Here’s a look at three reasons why they need to buy out his contract.