Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler (Photo : Getty Images/Jonathan Daniel)
It looks like the Philadelphia 76ers are at it again as they are now planning to trade their prized rookie, Jahlil Okafor. Meanwhile, the Bulls might also be looking at dealing All-Star Jimmy Butler.
The Sixers are known for their unending rebuilding process orchestrated by current GM Sam Hinkie. Since he took the position, their top selections were dealt one after another, best example being Michael Carter-Williams, who won rookie of the year honors in 2014, yet was dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team trade.
Now, the Sixers roster is overloaded with frontcourt players from previous drafts in Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor. Both Noel and Embiid spent more time on the sidelines due to injuries while Okafor flourished this season despite some off-court issues and ending the season due to surgery.
The 9-66 Sixers are said to be shopping Okafor as they think Embiid has more upside compared to the 3rd pick of this year's draft, CBS Sports reported. However, it was evident during the course of the season that Noel and Okafor's combination works quite well which the management should look into first.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls are allegedly trying to move their superstar, Jimmy Butler as chemistry issues are said to affect the team, Bleacher Report learned. Apparently, Butler and new head coach Fred Hoiberg are not getting along quite well, evident to Butler's statement last December.
"But I also believe that we probably have to be coached a lot harder at times. I'm sorry," Butler said in a post-game interview. "I know Fred's a laid-back guy and I really respect him for that, but when guys aren't doing what they're supposed to do, you got to get on guys. Myself included. You got to do what you're supposed to do when you're out there playing basketball."
The Bulls are currently out of playoff contention and this move might give the team a fresh start when next season begins. The Bulls are undergoing a huge transition after replacing former head coach Tom Thibodeau with Hoiberg. Their coaching style are complete opposites as Thibodeau is a defensive minded coach while Hoiberg implemented his fast-paced offense when he coached Iowa in the NCAA.
Here are some highlights of Jahlil Okafor, who is one of the favorite candidates to win Rookie of the Year this season.
