The Philadelphia 76ers have rejected any potential to buy out center Jahlil Okafor after the organization decided not to pick up his fourth-year option. Having made it crystal clear that the 21-year-old won't be part of their future, the franchise remains committed to finding a suitable trade.

“Bryan didn’t think (a buyout) would be a great idea, because he said he would be giving me away to a team for free,” a frustrated Okafor said, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “But that’s pretty much where we stand right now.”

Okafor would have earned $6.3 million in his fourth year, if his option had been picked up by the Sixers. Now this decision will allow the team to free up $6.3 million from next season’s cap space, which could be used for extending Robert Covington's contract in a few weeks. But there is a catch.

The Toronto Raptors had previously inquired about Okafor during the summer, but wanted Covington as part of the deal, which the Sixers declined. With his contract in line to be extended, teams will likely look to make the same bundle, which can put the Sixers in a tough negotiating spot.

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“That’s where we stand today because you waited so long to trade me,” Okafor said. “There’s nothing else to do. I’m not playing here. At the end of this season, I’m an unrestricted free agent. So I want to get on the court and play after this.”

Jahlil Okafor wasn't shy about ripping the front office and president Bryan Colangelo after endless months of frustration sitting at the end of the bench, collecting DNPs.

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“I tried to do everything the right way,” Okafor said. “I tried to be professional; I will continue to be professional. But at some point, I have to defend myself, and this is my career. I’m not sure if (Colangelo) cares about that. I think that’s evident at this point.”

“But at some point, as people, on a personal level, you would hope, let’s get Jah out of here. Let him go play somewhere because I’m 21. I’m healthy. I’m trying to get on the right path of my career.”