CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

For several years, the Phoenix Suns had surplus guards and the Philadelphia 76ers had surplus centers. Now after both teams have shed their excess, it appears the Suns have targeted Jahlil Okafor

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has a stellar reputation for reporting on the lesser known rumors and whispers of NBA back offices. Now, he is linking the Phoenix Suns as a team in the hunt for Philadelphia 76ers‘ Jahlil Okafor, and it makes sense. And why is that? Phoenix has assets, needs players with good upside, and believes Jahlil Okafor is worth more than the sticker price (if it is indeed at the second round pick range). The Philadelphia 76ers would entertain trade talks because it places Okafor on a rebuilding team on the west coast, and away from any east competition for the foreseeable future.

Here is what Woj had to say on the topic:

“An open roster spot would give the Suns the chance to become involved in trade talks with Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor, a 21-year-old former No. 3 overall pick with whom the Suns have had interest, league sources said.- Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Loaded with picks

Phoenix is loaded with 2018 draft picks. The team could land three first round picks in 2018 and has three second round picks in 2018 as well. As Philadelphia 76ers fans know all too well, the value of so many picks on one team is somewhat diluted due to the team’s inability to absorb so many rookies in one season.

So what is the true intrinsic value of Jahlil Okafor on the Phoenix Suns roster. Unlike the play of Nerlens Noel, Okafor can and will score in virtually any NBA scheme. But in the Phoenix Suns team, he immediately aligns with a rather impressive core of young talented players. With a potential line-up of SG Devin Booker, PG Tyler Ullis, SF T.J. Warren, PF Marquese Chriss, and C Jahlil Okafor, you have a group of young players with tremendous upside. Is that lineup worth a protected first round pick?

Despite the “not worth much” speculation, it certainly seems worth it from that vantage point.

Suns Get C Jahlil Okafor 76ers Get 2018 1st rd pick Milwaukee (1-10, 17-30 protected) (1-3 and 17-30 in 2019 and 1-7 in 2020) unprotected 2021

Right now, Jahlil Okafor had met with his agent, Bill Duffy, yesterday November 8th to get up to speed as to the various trade scenarios out there. Despite the inactivity for years over Okafor trade rumors, this one is getting traction.