Jahlil Okafor
Jan 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) drives to the net as Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) defends during the fourth quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. The Chicago Bulls won the game 115-111 in overtime. Reuters/John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jahlil Okafor could be an ideal summer trade target for the Chicago Bulls, who are also facing a crucial decision of tinkering their roster if they fail to reach the playoffs this season.

Okafor have been determined by several rumours as the odd man out once Joel Embiid makes his potential NBA debut for the 76ers next season. CSN Chicago Mark Schanowski reported that the 76ers seem to be inclined in keeping Embiid as their long-term option, insisting that a move could possible lead to Philadelphia trading Okafor this summer.

Trading Okafor would net the 76ers a top-talented player or several assets who could help the franchise in their attempt to finally be relevant in the NBA map. According to Schanowski, the Bulls could be one of the teams interested in acquiring the Duke product by creating an enticing package.

"Colangelo and the rest of the Sixers' brain trust believe Embiid might be the better long-term option at center, which means Okafor could be available in the days leading up to the June 23 draft,” Schanowski wrote. "Could the Bulls pry him loose with an offer of Nikola Mirotic and a first-round pick? Or would it take a pair of No. 1s and either Mirotic or Taj Gibson to get Colangelo's attention?"

The Bulls face a tough task of retaining their frontcourt lineup in July, when Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah become free agents. Both big men are an essential part of the Bulls’ lineup for the past few years, but Chicago may have a difficult time retaining either one of them due to the team’s limited cap-space.

Trading for Okafor seems to be a perfect move for the Bulls, with the uncertainty of re-signing the team’s frontcourt free agents. Okafor, who ended this season with a knee injury, averaged 17.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game for the 76ers. Okafor could fit well alongside Jimmy Butler and might as well be part of the Bulls’ immediate rebuild, assuming the team misses the playoffs this year.

As for the 76ers, receiving a package of Nikola Mirotic and/or Taj Gibson does not seem too bad in exchange for Okafor. However, the 76ers may try to explore other options if they really intend to trade Okafor in the summer.

RELATED STORIES