Will Okafor or Noel Be Traded To Celtics?

Rumors have been swirling for months about a potential trade between the Celtics and Sixers.  With the NBA Draft fast approaching, the 76ers are in pursuit to acquire another lottery pick.  According to reports the Sixers appear willing to use Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel, Robert Covington, and other players as part of a trade to move back into the lottery.  The Celtics hold the 3rd overall pick and they have a glut of Guards on the roster while the Sixers have a logjam of big men with Joel Embiid's anticipated debut coming next season.

ESPN NBA Insider Marc Stein reports that the Celtics have been rebuffed by a few teams in their pursuit of different players to fill their void of a star player on the team.  Meanwhile ESPN NBA Rumor Central reports that the Sixers are actively shopping Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel and other players following GM Bryan Colangelo's comments that the team has spoken to several NBA teams.

A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN Boston joined The Sports Bash on Wednesday and gave the latest on the back and forth trade talks between the divisional foes:

“I think what we’re seeing now between Boston and Philly really is a game of chicken; the Celtics know that the Sixers have to do something in that front court and get rid of somebody when you talk about adding Ben Simmons to a already stacked front court with Jahlil, Nerlens, Saric, and Joel Embiid, someone’s gotta go.  And so the Celtics don’t wanna give up much to get one of those guys, Nerlens and Okafor the two we are talking about specifically....I think ultimately what’s going to happen is both sides will blink and just walk away; the Celtics I think will wind up keeping that number three pick and using it and the Sixers will look to address their Point Guard needs either later in the Draft or potentially this summer through free agency.”

Hear what Blakely had to say about who the Celtics would prefer in a trade from the Sixers along with who has the most leverage in trade talks