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Philadelphia 76ers Center Jahlil Okafor did not play against the Miami Heat on Saturday night. Afterward, ESPN reported that his DNP is possibly a precursor to a trade. Several teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, were listed as possible destinations. Marc Stein wrote:
The Pelicans and Sixers have been engaged in serious trade talks centered around Okafor all week, but Philadelphia is believed to be talking to other teams, as well, reportedly including the Trail Blazers and Bulls.
Stein also reported that, despite the negotiations, no trade is imminent. Sunday morning, Keith Smith also noted that the Blazers have “come on strong” over the weekend.
Source: NOP frontrunners for Okafor. CHI and POR have come on strong over the weekend. DEN and LAL more exploratory vs serious at this point
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 12, 2017
The 76ers have a logjam at center with Okafor, Nerlens Noel, and Joel Embiid all competing for playing time. Embiid has been sidelined in recent weeks with a meniscus tear, but is still the most likely to stay with the Sixers in the long term. Both Noel and Okafor have been rumored as trade candidates for much of the season.
Okafor is averaging 11.6 points and 4.8 rebounds in 23.2 minutes per game. Despite the ongoing roster uncertainty, the Sixers have already doubled their win total from last season and currently have a 20-34 record.