The latest NBA rumors have revealed that the Chicago Bulls are interested in acquiring Jahlil Okafor from the Philadelphia 76ers. The Bulls are looking to improve their chances of making the playoffs while the Sixers just want to remove a logjam in their frontcourt.
NBA rumors have linked Okafor to several teams since last year including the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks. The same can be said with the Bulls since they have struggled this season and they are very close to rebuilding.
According to Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago, the Bulls reportedly inquired with the Sixers about the availability of Okafor. The former third overall pick is having a very frustrating season with his knee injury and the minutes restriction due to the plays of Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel.
Okafor is currently averaging 11.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game this season. The 21-year-old center is a Chicago native so it's no surprise that there are NBA rumors linking him to a move to the Bulls.
However, Okafor has a limited skillset which makes it hard for the Sixers to find a deal they like. But what kind of deal can the Bulls offer to the Philly front office? Here are some of the trade possibilities, according to Corey Seidman of CSN Philly.
Jahlil Okafor and Ersan Ilyasova for Dwyane Wade, a first-round pick and pick swap rights
Seidman pointed out that this was a crazy idea but it makes sense. He noted that Wade could help Sixers make the playoffs by next season which could be his final year in the NBA. He added that Ilyasova was included to make the salaries match.
Jahlil Okafor for Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic
It's a loss for the Sixers in terms of the value since Okafor is a former third overall pick. However, McDermott and Mirotic could become key pieces to a young team like Philadelphia. McDermott can spread the floor off the bench while Mirotic fills the role of Ilyasova, who will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Jahlil Okafor for Denzel Valentine, Nikola Mirotic and a first-round pick
Valentine is a big question mark since he has struggled in his rookie season. The future first round pick is just to sweeten the deal but the Sixers are better off finding better deals, possibly from teams like the Lakers, Mavericks or even the Spurs.
Nevertheless, these are just NBA rumors and trade suggestions. Nothing has been confirmed at the moment but it's no surprise that both the Sixers and Bulls are linked with NBA rumors less than three weeks before the trade deadline.
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