Report: Jahlil Okafor Was Nearly Traded to the Celtics

Jahlil was so close to becoming Beantown bound.

Image via USA TODAY Sports/Bill Streicher

On Friday, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge dropped by 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher and Rich radio show for his weekly interview. During their conversation, Ainge revealed a trade that came "very close" to involving the Brooklyn Nets' first-round pick in this year's upcoming draft, but talks broke down at the "very last minute" when the other team pulled out of the deal. 

Per Mass Live

"One story I probably can share with you is -- I can't tell you the team or the name -- but it was very close," Ainge said. "It's something that we had been deliberating on for two days straight. The other team was doing that, and we were wrapping ourselves around a big package to do a deal. And at the very last minute they just said they did not want to do it. They just backed out. So it was a deal that was talked about, thought about, and that was probably the closest that we came."

Ainge said his goal was to acquire a big talent player, adding, "what we lack is maybe that one superstar." So, who was the "superstar" being discussed as the trade deadline drew near? 

According to the Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett, it was Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jahlil Okafor

While a league source has indicated the late target Ainge has referred to in radio interviews was Philadelphia’s Jahlil Okafor, Ainge has turned silent on the matter.

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[via Larry Brown Sports]

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