Jahlil Okafor in exchange for Sean Kilpatrick and Joe Harris
With the Nets having to pay Russell, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and other pieces of their main core, this trade makes sense. The Nets get a former third overall draft pick and get rid of two expiring contracts. Kilpatrick and Harris will make $1.5 million each this season. But they will be looking for more than next offseason.
Kilpatrick played a key part in the Nets offense last year. But Lin’s injuries basically forced the Nets to turn to Kilpatrick. Harris played solid basketball last season but didn’t play a critical role in the team’s offense. He was nothing more than a shooter.
Not only does this trade give the Nets something in return for two expiring deals, but it allows the Philadelphia 76ers to move Jahlil Okafor. Philadelphia has been looking to trade Okafor for quite some time now. The Sixers would add shooting to their young, solid bench.
Okafor has shown from time to time that he can get in some trouble off the court. He also shows signs of frustration. But if Sean Marks feels he can mold Okafor to fit the new culture in Brooklyn, this trade seems like a no brainer.
The League has yet to see Philadelphia’s asking price for Okafor. But if they agree to this trade, Brooklyn should think about making it happen.