Jahlil Okafor (Photo : Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls are now frontrunners to add Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor, who many expect to be dealt before the trade deadline.
The Bulls could be in pole position to land Okafor, who is becoming the likely trade candidate for the 76ers. According to NBA Insider Keith Smith, the Bulls are "very interested" and could now be "frontrunners" to land the 21-year-old center.
I know the Bulls are very interested. Some have told me that they can now be considered front runners. https://t.co/20kn6pee6F
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 13, 2017
ESPN's Marc Stein reported that 76ers coach Brett Brown sit out Okafor in Philadelphia's 117-109 victory over the Heat on Friday because of a potential trade.
"As the All-Star break gets closer, possible deals have more of a chance,'' Brown said, reports ESPN. "Although speculation is rampant all throughout stuff, you learn as the deadline gets closer, the reality that something could happen goes to a higher level.''
Okafor is only averaging 11.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game this season, which are significantly lower from his averages in his rookie season. But he could still be a valuable addition to a team like the Bulls, although it is unclear whether Okafor would immediately earn major minutes under coach Fred Hoiberg.
Any potential trade for Okafor could involve a backcourt piece, considering the 76ers need of a steady playmaker. Rajon Rondo, who has been relegated to the Bulls' bench, could be a trade piece, although it remains to be seen whether Philadelphia would want the veteran point guard. Moreover, trading Okafor for Rondo would mean the 76ers would need to move another piece to match Rondo's salary this season.
One trade scenario that works under the NBA salary guidelines is the Bulls acquiring Okafor and Sergio Rodriguez for Rondo, giving Chicago additional help to run the point and score from the outside.
It is unclear whether the 76ers would really trade Okafor, but fans will get to find that out in the next few days.
Video courtesy: YouTube/DownToBuck
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