Okafor held out of win over Heat, reportedly as trade talks progress

Jahlil Okafor did not play Saturday in the Philadelphia 76ers' win over the Miami Heat, and the reason was trade discussions regarding the big man were gaining momentum, according to NBA.com's David Aldridge.

Multiple reports said that Okafor was spotted shaking several team employees' hands in a manner that would suggest he'd been traded, but he remained on the bench throughout most of Philadelphia's 117-109 victory.

Reports first surfaced on Feb. 6 that the 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans were working on a potential trade involving Okafor. It is believed the two teams have further discussed a deal, possibly involving other teams.

The news comes on the same day it was announced that fellow center Joel Embiid has a torn meniscus that will not require surgery.