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

3. Moving on in The Process

The Philadelphia 76ers have Joel Embiid, Amir Johnson and Richaun Holmes at their disposal, not to mention they also have the ability to move Ben Simmons around on defense. At this point, holding Okafor hostage holds them back in The Process.

They may want a big asset for the former top pick, but the reality is buying out his contract gives him a fresh start. Since drafting Okafor with the third pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, things have soured for the big man. As of Nov. 1, he made a request for a buyout, but was denied.

Okafor averaged 17.5 points, 7.0 rebounds 1.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game in 53 appearances as a rookie in 2015-16. His overall health and lack of presence on the defensive end caused his place in the rotation to sour over the past few seasons.

As The Process begins to focus more on developing Markelle Fultz, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, the Sixers need to show their ability to mature as an organization and move on in The Process by cutting their losses.

Okafor joins Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel as first-rounders who never panned out in Philadelphia. Other teams have shown interest in the former Duke big man, but the Sixers aren’t letting him walk without getting something in return. That stance needs to change.