NBA Rumors: Bulls In Hot Pursuit Of 76ers Center Jahlil Okafor
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The NBA trade deadline is only hours away with teams in the league having until 3 p.m. EST on Thurs. Feb. 23 to make deals. The Chicago Bulls appear to be one of the more aggressive teams in the league in terms of looking for waves to improve their roster with Jahlil Okafor in their crosshairs.
According to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the team is in trade talks to acquire Okafor from the Philadelphia 76ers:
Chicago has continued to push on a trade for 76ers center Jahlil Okafor, league sources tell @TheVertical. Discussions continue.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) February 23, 2017
Okafor’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors for quite some time now. The second-year center seems to be the odd man out in Philadelphia with the team moving forward building around Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel, Dario Saric, and Ben Simmons among other young players.
The Bulls, however, are in a difficult situation with the team failing to live up to expectations this season. The additions of Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo alongside Jimmy Butler were thought to be steps in the right direction for the franchise making them a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.
Unfortunately, Chicago is coming to the realization that moves need to be made. Either that continue to put talent around Butler and company, or consider moving their best players to start over. Adding Okafor is likely a step forward with veteran forward Taj Gibson likely going to Philadelphia.
With less than 24 hours left before the NBA trade deadline, it’ll be interesting to see where Okafor ends up as it seems inevitable he’ll be traded.
