NBA Trade Deadline: Bulls, Sixers close to terms on Jahlil Okafor trade

The Chicago Bulls (28-29) and Philadelphia 76ers (21-35) have continued to hold talks on a potential Jahlil Okafor trade, per fresh reports. The Bulls are trying to acquire the second-year big man ahead of Thursday's NBA Trade Deadline.

Okafor, a native of Chicago, is almost certain to be traded by Philadelphia, a team that is dealing with a surplus of big men, headlined by Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel, among others. In recent weeks, the Sixers front office has reportedly shifted its focus from a Nerlens Noel trade to potentially moving Okafor. According to several analysts, the Sixers coaching staff reckons Noel brings more to the table with his defensive presence and athleticism, not to mention his willingness to come off the bench.

The Bulls are still in the playoff hunt but could be looking to retool their roster at the end of the season. While Robin Lopez, their starting centre, is under contract for another few seasons, veterans Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo and Taj Gibson are expected to walk in free agency. Also, the Bulls have been actively shopping Nikola Mirotic, with hopes of landing a first-round draft pick ahead of the new season. If the Bulls pull the trigger on a Jimmy Butler trade, they could potentially enter the offseason with a chest of draft picks and young assets such as Denzel Valentine, Michael Carter-Williams and Bobby Portis.

Jahlil Okafor trade: Bulls continue to push Sixers

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, discussions between Bulls and Sixers continued late into Wednesday. "Chicago has continued to push on a trade for 76ers center Jahlil Okafor, league sources tell @TheVertical. Discussions continue," the NBA insider tweeted.

Okafor, who is averaging 11.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 23 minutes per game this season, made the All-Rookie First Team last season for his tally of 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds. Since Embiid's debut at the start of the 2016-17 season, Sixers coach Brett Brown has prioritised the former Kansas standout over Okafor. “Trade rumours are something that’s going to be part of my life probably for as long as I’m in the NBA. I’ve been hearing it since I’ve been in the NBA about me being traded. I just try to focus on what I can. That’s being here on this team and trying to help this team win," a level-headed Okafor was quoted as saying by CSN Philly.

The NBA Trade Deadline is on Thursday. Earlier on Wednesday, the Sixers traded stretch-4 Ersan Ilyasova to the Atlanta Hawks for second round picks and Tiago Splitter. Philadelphia is expected to be one of the most active teams on Thursday. Would the Bulls finally pull off the desired Jahlil Okafor trade?