Okafor to Boston not a good deal for Sixers

It doesn't make sense to trade Jahlil Okafor to the Boston Celtics unless the 76ers' only goal is to dump one of their bigs at any cost.

That's basically all they would be doing by trading him to their Eastern Conference foe.

Word out of Boston is that the Celtics will not give up much for the 6-foot-11, 257-pounder.

The Celtics have a practice of minimizing the risk when acquiring guys who have had what they view as a character flaw.

Former St. Joseph's standout Delonte West is a prime example. A source said that general manager Danny Ainge loved West. However, Ainge only gave him a minimum  deal even though talent-wise West was deserving of mid-level exception money.

And he's just one example.

So the Celtics probably won't offer anyone or anything the Sixers would perceive as equal value for Okafor. At least they won't at this time.

Acquiring Okafor is not a high priority for Boston at the moment. No one is doubting that they like him.  However, they're just not prepared to give up a lot to get him.

Meanwhile, the Sixers are determined to receive equal value in any trade.

That might be tough to get when the league knows you need to dump at least one of your bigs to balance out the roster.

But at the same time, you can't afford to make a deal just for the sake of making one.  That's exactly what the Sixers would be doing unless the Celtics change their minds.

Follow and contact 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers and on instagram at PompeyOnSixers