Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are lucky to have made the 2017 NBA playoffs. But they are getting as much as they can out of eight year NBA veteran Robin Lopez. While Jahlil Okafor may not win the starting role in Chicago, his upside gives every reason to believe that he could earn a solid sixth-man role on the team.
Hoops Habit
The Bulls were linked to Jahlil Okafor previously, as recently as the past trade deadline. Now, with the Bulls squeaking into post-season, the front office has motivation to deal and improve the team.
Does that mean the Bulls must deal for Okafor? No. But there is a pattern of teams which “almost” traded for Jahlil Okafor, and for various reasons, all fell to the wayside. Chicago has more incentive than many teams.
He’s The Home Town Kid, And That’s No Bull
Jahlil Okafor is a Chicago native. Despite the Bulls signing Robin Lopez, the front office continued to toy with the idea of landing Okafor. The problem then was: “what is fair market value”? In dealing Nerlens Noel to the Dallas Mavericks, the 76ers have solved that matter.
The Chicago Bulls have a 16th and 38th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. The 16 pick may be too rich, and the 38th pick plus a future second round pick may be too light.
However, the Bulls could send their 16th to the 76ers and in return ask for Okafor and one of the 76ers four second round picks, perhaps the 46th pick. That keeps the Bulls in the draft twice, gives the 76ers value for Okafor, and the Bulls get a player who can step onto the court and immediately score.
And as an added bonus, you can be the home town kid will sell some merchandise and tickets for the Bulls too.