Jahlil Okafor could become a realistic target for the Chicago Bulls by midseason, but won't probably come cheap for the Windy City.
The Bulls were able to add two star veterans in their fold after signing Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade this summer. But while Rondo and Wade's talents should boost the Bulls this season, they may not be enough to take Chicago deep in the playoffs even with Jimmy Butler playing along their side.
One area of concern for the Bulls this upcoming season is the center position. After losing Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah to free agency, the Bulls may consider exploring a trade for a scoring big man, who can fill the void left by Gasol and Noah in terms of offensive outputs. Enter Jahlil Okafor.
Okafor has been linked to numerous trade rumors as a result of Philadelphia 76ers' attempts to address their crowded frontcourt. And with the 76ers looking for backcourt pieces, the Bulls may post as perfect trade partners, with Chicago having young talents in Doug McDermott and Denzel Valentine to include in a potential deal.
However, Allana Tachauer of Hoops Habit, a fan site hosted by Sports Illustrated, believes Okafor joining the Bulls this season is a stretch, although hinting the possibility of a move later this season.
"Should Bulls fans be expecting Okafor to head on over? No. It is definitely a stretch. But crazier things have happened, this offseason being the perfect example of that. So Okafor to Chicago? Not for now. But maybe....," Tachauer concluded in her piece.
While Okafor, who averaged 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds last season, would no doubt help the Bulls improve their lineup, it makes little sense for Chicago to trade for the 20-year-old center if it would cost them too much young talents.
Moreover, the Bulls still have Robin Lopez, whom they acquire in the Derrick Rose trade, and Taj Gibson and Bobby Portis to step up for a major role this season, so exploring a deal for Okafor may come later rather than sooner.
Likewise, the 76ers should not be in any hurry moving Okafor and see if he could be a better fit playing alongside Simmons. Waiting until before the trade deadline would also allow Philadelphia to increase Okafor's value and potentially net more prized assets in return.
Nevertheless, it would be intriguing to see Okafor come home to Chicago early in his career, and it is a possibility worth the risk for the Bulls even if it price is right.