The Chicago Bulls are ready for the next NBA season as they go in with their new Big Three in Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler. However, the Nikola Mirotic team appears to not take any chances as they simultaneously undergo a rebuilding phase as well. That is, the front office seems to be making sure that the team will not fall victim to injuries similar to their situation with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah in the past seasons. As part of this phase, a Jahlil Okafor trade to the Chicago Bulls is said to be in the works.
The Philadelphia 76ers have been openly shopping their big men in the offseason. With the impending return of potential franchise face Joel Embiid this season, the presence of both Jahlil Okafor and Nerles Noel becomes a problem. Three big men in the lineup, which also now includes Ben Simmons, is not how the Sixers envisioned their NBA season to unfold.
League sources revealed that "the Sixers have had periodic trade talks this summer involving Noel and Okafor and plan eventually to move one of them," adding that "Philadelphia doesn't believe the two players' talents are complementary."
Rumors are rife that the Philadelphia 76ers are pressed more for a Jahlil Okafor trade compared with the demand for Nerlens Noel. With the Duke alum up for grabs, the Sixers are expected to use him as a valuable bargaining chip this offseason. Can the Chicago Bulls deal with the demands of the Ben Simmons squad?
"There's no question you can look at our roster and say we have some unbalance," shared Bryan Colangelo. The Sixers exec added, "We're top heavy. We have some good talent there."
Right now, the Chicago Bulls have maximized their salary cap space when the signed Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade. Keeping Jimmy Butler happy in the roster also cost them cash despite the departure of Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose. Will a Jahlil Okafor trade be the final piece of their puzzle?
At the moment, no official comment has been given by any of the parties involved in the NBA trade rumor. The Philadelphia 76ers are currently busy training their young stars including Ben Simmons and Jahlil Okafor. As for the Chicago Bulls, the Big Three composed of Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler are set to show off their skills once the NBA regular season starts.
