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NBA Trade Rumors: Big names most likely to be dealt before 2018 deadline

By Gil Alcaraz IV

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: Julius Randle 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: Julius Randle 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. Jahlil Okafor, C, Philadelphia 76ers

It has to happen eventually, right? For the better part of the last two years, Jahlil Okafor has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate for the Philadelphia 76ers. Will he finally be dealt, or will he forever be doomed in trade rumor purgatory?

Honestly, it’s anyone’s guess at this point what the immediate future holds for him. However, I’m going to say it’s about time we finally see Okafor get an opportunity elsewhere. The 76ers clearly have no interest in playing him (two appearances, 25 total minutes this season), which has made it all the more baffling that the former No. 3 overall pick hasn’t been shipped away.

Seriously, enough dragging of the feet. The 76ers have waited for the right deal to come across their table, and have had plenty of discussions. Okafor was rumored to have been involved in talks surrounding Eric Bledsoe, but that never came to fruition.

At this point, Okafor could likely be had for minimal assets. Maybe a role player and a second round pick? Plus, it’s not like Philadelphia is putting any effort into making him a more appealing target.

Next: Big-name players allegedly on the trade block

Sooner or later, the 76ers are going to need to deal Okafor. They’ve put far more effort into finding a trade partner for him than making him a part of the rotation. If they’re going to recoup anything after spending such a high draft pick on him, they need to move him now before he hits the open market in July.