Hypothetical idea 76ers and Celtics trade idea

[CFAN38]

This is an idea that has been touched upon but I was bored and wanted to revisit it. Many posts have been made discussing ways the Cs can trade for Noel. In general the perception is that he will be the Phili big man eventually made available to the trade market. However in light of Okafors off the court issues this season, his perceived lack of elite potential (recent ford/pelton list), and the general feeling that his game is 10 years to late for the current league could he be the easier to obtain prospect?

Who honestly says no?

Cs send Smart, Sully, Young, 2016 Cs pick, 2016 Mavs pick

76es send Okafor, Sampson and Babcock

Why they say yes,

76ers, This trade could really act as a reset for a terrible year and give this team a new direction. Smart would add a young gritty potential leader to a rudder less ship. The potential pairing for Noel and Sully would have good potential given that Sully can play outside the paint much better then Okafor. The inclusion of Young would give the 76ers perhaps their most talented wing even if he is still very raw. The two picks are added pieces for what I think will be a very busy off season for them. The negative side to the trade would be...  Its to early to give up on the #3 pick in the draft. His ceiling is much higher then Smarts or Sullys (who is do a pay day). They may not be willing to move him with out this years Nets pick included and I dont think DA bites on that.

Cs, They add their offensive center piece. Brad should be able to coach up his weaknesses and the strong team around him should help with maturity. I expect the Okafor to fit on the court better with Amir, KO. Zeller and Mickey better then he ever has with Noel. The negative side would be.... Loosing smart who is a perfect fit to the personality of this team for a player who may not fit in stylistically or personality wise could be dangerous.

[BitterJim]

The 6ers aren't trading Okafor.

They're looking for stars/players with star potential, and Okafor has way more than Smart and Sully combined.  The chance of becoming a star (along with the fact that he has less of his contract left) is why Noel is the one that could be available, not Okafor

[Ed Hollison]

One potential issue for the Celtics is how Okafor fits in a new NBA where there's a premium on a) spread offenses where all players can shoot from the outside, pass, dribble, and make plays; and b) where all players can switch and guard the perimeter. Okafor clearly can't do either of those things. Neither is he a good shot blocker. So in order for him to be a star player going forward, he has to be absolutely dominant in the post on offense and make up for all those deficiencies. I'm not saying I don't want him on my team, I'm just saying the game has changed and it's not clear how much value he has going forward.

[CFAN38]

The 6ers aren't trading Okafor.

They're looking for stars/players with star potential, and Okafor has way more than Smart and Sully combined.  The chance of becoming a star (along with the fact that he has less of his contract left) is why Noel is the one that could be available, not Okafor

I understand that and agree with you however I have to wonder if the organizational changes they are going through could slightly change that logic and how they really view Okafor and Noel long term. Noel is undoubtedly going to be easier to build a team around then Okafor whose offensive game and defensive inability will dictate the players who are needed around him. It comes down to the organizations preference. Who would you rather have as the center of your team Tyson Chandler or Al Jefferson?   

[CroCorvus]

wow no.

[max215]

I just have very little interest in Okafor. He's a player suited for years past.

[BitterJim]

The 6ers aren't trading Okafor.

They're looking for stars/players with star potential, and Okafor has way more than Smart and Sully combined.  The chance of becoming a star (along with the fact that he has less of his contract left) is why Noel is the one that could be available, not Okafor

I understand that and agree with you however I have to wonder if the organizational changes they are going through could slightly change that logic and how they really view Okafor and Noel long term. Noel is undoubtedly going to be easier to build a team around then Okafor whose offensive game and defensive inability will dictate the players who are needed around him. It comes down to the organizations preference. Who would you rather have as the center of your team Tyson Chandler or Al Jefferson?

If that's the case, then why trade for him?