Sixers in trade talks with Pelicans around Jahlil Okafor

The New Orleans Pelicans may be on the verge of getting Anthony Davis some more help.

According to two people with knowledge of the situation, the Pelicans are in serious trade talks with the Philadelphia 76ers to acquire second-year big man Jahlil Okafor. The Sixers, who are known to have engaged with eight teams regarding Okafor, are pushing for the Pelicans’ first-round pick in the deal. The people spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the talks.

With Sixers rookie center Joel Embiid widely considered the breakout star of this NBA season, and third-year forward Nerlens Noel also taking up time in the Philadelphia frontcourt, Okafor has been marginalized this season.

He is averaging 11.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 23.1 minutes in 34 games (19 starts), a far cry from what he’d hoped for upon entering the league as the third overall pick out of Duke in 2015.

In New Orleans, general manager Dell Demps faces increasing pressure and is well aware that he needs to find more support for his franchise centerpiece in Davis. At 19-32, and with Davis playing at an MVP-caliber level (27.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.3 blocks per game), the Pelicans clearly see Okafor as a worthy option.

The Pelicans are known to want lottery protection for the first pick.

Contributing: Jeff Zillgitt

Reach Sam Amick at @sam_amick and Jeff Zillgitt at @JeffZillgitt