76ers Coach Brett Brown Thinks Jahlil Okafor Could Still Be Dealt Before NBA Trade Deadline

The Philadelphia 76ers have been in the news a lot lately with talk of the team seriously considering trading center Jahlil Okafor. This comes as no surprise with a loaded frontcourt that also includes Nerlens Noel and breakout rookie Joel Embiid.

Recently, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Okafor would be traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. The two teams were said to be in serious talks with Okafor even getting pulled out of a game in case a deal became official.

Over the last few days, trade talks have seemed to have cooled between the Pelicans and 76ers or any other team potentially interested in Okafor. Despite trade talks appearing to be all but dead, head coach Brett Brown thinks Okafor could still be headed elsewhere before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 23, via Jessica Camerato of CSNPhilly.com:

“I don’t believe they’re off,” Brett Brown said of trade talks. “I think this particular one has not happened. The trade deadline is whenever it is, it’s probably fluid. The one that was the reason for us reacting to us to Jahlil not being with the team, very advanced discussions, did not happen.”

With the trade deadline a week away, there’s plenty of time for Philadelphia to make a deal with New Orleans or another interested party. If Brown’s comments are any indication, it seems as though the 76ers brass may be determined to part ways with the former lottery pick.

Okafor’s numbers are down considerably from his rookie season in Philadelphia. The Duke product’s statistics taking a dip is a direct result of Embiid’s rise along with the fact he’s playing about seven minutes less per game.

Okafor is currently averaging 11.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.0 block per contest.