Philadelphia 76ers NBA Trade and Roster Rumors: Bulls and Hawks the Favorites to Land Jahlil Okafor
Two teams have emerged as the favorites to land center Jahlil Okafor.
NBA.com's David Aldridge has reported that league sources have told him the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks currently have the best chances of getting Okafor if the Philadelphia 76ers part ways with him. However, the Sixers are just as likely to keep him on the team until they find a trade partner who's willing to meet their asking price.
"League sources indicate the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks are the most likely destinations for Okafor. The Sixers are still holding out for at least a Draft pick, and could still opt to keep Okafor either as insurance against further injury to Embiid, or as a potential expiring contract to aggregate as the trade deadline nears," Aldridge wrote in his report.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"The Sixers also don't want to add any salary to get Okafor off the books," he continued. "But teams are asking Philly to take back more salary in exchange for Okafor's now expiring $4.9 million contract," he added.
Well, basketball enthusiasts have heard this before. Okafor has been pushing for the Sixers to buy out his contract, but the team wouldn't let him leave that easily. They want to get something in return and the situation could drag on for months.
In any case, both the Bulls and Hawks are rebuilding and Okafor can fit in well with either team.
Robin Lopez is starting at center for the Bulls right now, but he's clearly not a part of their long-term plans. Okafor may become a building block for the team if they can land him.
Meanwhile, Dewayne Dedmon has been playing well as the Hawks' starting center and rookie John Collins is also playing significant minutes as his backup. However, Okafor is a proven low-post scorer and the Hawks desperately need someone who can help take the scoring load off Dennis Schröder's shoulder.
