Chicago Bulls interested in Philadelphia 76ers’ Jahlil Okafor
The Chicago Bulls are interested in pursuing a trade for Philadelphia 76ers’ center Jahlil Okafor.
With the NBA Trade Deadline approaching later this month, the Chicago Bulls are reportedly actively looking for improvements to their roster.
According to Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago, one of those improvements could be Philadelphia 76ers’ center Jahlil Okafor. Goodwill reports that the Bulls are interested in trading for Okafor but the interest may not be matched by the 76ers. While the 76ers are believed to be shopping Okafor, the thought is that they don’t have interest in the players that the Bulls are willing to part with.
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Okafor was the third overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft and had an impressive season in his rookie campaign. Okafor averaged 17.5 points per game and 7 rebounds per game during the 2015-2016 NBA regular season. In his second season with the 76ers, Okafor has taken a backseat to Joel Embiid given his return to health. In 34 games this season, Okafor is averaging 11.4 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game while playing 23.1 minutes per game.
Okafor thrives as a low-post scorer and that could be the perfect compliment for Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade on the perimeter.
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In terms of what the Bulls may be offering to the 76ers, chances are Nikola Mirotic and/or Doug McDermott is at the center of their trade package. With the 76ers being less than thrilled with the potential match with the Bulls, Chicago will need to get creative if there is a deal to be made. If the Bulls were serious about their pursuit of Okafor, the team should consider offering up Taj Gibson as part of their package. Gibson is a free agent after the season and could be a dependable veteran for the budding 76ers.