They are trusting the process in Philadelphia and the baby 76ers are playing well and look like a team on the verge of being really good in the next few years. Unfortunately former #3 draft pick Jahlil Okafor is not a part of the process. News broke earlier this week that the 76ers will not be picking up the 4th year option on his rookie deal. In the history of the league very few top picks haven’t had their options picked up by the team that drafted them. Okafor knows his time is up and has requested a trade or buyout, according to ESPN, saying:
Honestly, I did not want them to pick up my option. This is my life. This is my career, and I’m not getting an opportunity here, which is fine. The team looks great and I’m not a part of that. I want the team to do great things, but at the same time I want to play.
You have to feel for Okafor here, this is a business and his style of play doesn’t fit with what the 76ers are doing. But it is his career and livelihood. A buyout would help him try and find a suitor and get some playing time this season. However team president Bryan Colangelo has rejected Okafor’s buyout request.
I’ve asked for a buyout. I had a talk with Bryan about that yesterday, just because I want to play. I know that’s not being here. I know a buyout is one of the options where I get an opportunity to play elsewhere and to get on the court. But Bryan didn’t think that would be a good idea because he said then they would be giving me away to a team for free, but that’s pretty much where we stand right now.
Colangelo is going to hold on to Okafor as long as he can so he can get what he deems as appropriate value in return. But the thing is, Colangelo may have already seen the best offers for the former 2015 #3 pick. The less he plays and the closer they get to the end of the season the lower Okafor’s value would be. Then of course they’d risk getting nothing for him.
It’s obvious Okafor is not a part of the 76ers future and the kid wants to play. Best for both parties to either agree on the buyout or take the best trade presented.
Flip the page to hear Okafor’s comments.