3. Jahlil Okafor
Another highly touted big man coming out of college who has fallen victim to the 76ers stockpiling young talent is Jahlil Okafor. The 76ers recently declined their team option on Okafor, which means that he will become a free agent by the end of this season. Okafor, however, may be looking to get out of Philadelphia sooner than that.
Marc Stein of the New York Times reported in late October that Okafor could request a contract buyout from the 76ers. If that occurred, the Cavs would likely be one of the teams lining up to offer the two-year big man a new home.
Thanks to the offseason trade that sent Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics, the Cavs possess a $5.8 million trade exception that they could offer as a prove-it deal. Like Monroe, Okafor’s numbers have dropped off significantly in recent years, but in the 53 games he played in his rookie year, he averaged 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. After shedding approximately 20 pounds this offseason, Okafor should be able to reclaim the athleticism and speed that made him the third overall draft pick in 2015.
The Cavs are an attractive destination for any player who believes they are just one good year away from a larger contract (see Derrick Rose), but the Cavs may be the right choice for Okafor for other reasons as well. Okafor has dealt with several off-court incidents that have done nothing to improve his standing with his current club. If he were to sign with a team like the Cavs, which is filled with savvy and successful veterans, Okafor could find the leadership he needs to get his career back on track.
Next: Robin Lopez
