Each team has been working very hard to reshape the very identities of their teams.
Following the introduction of the Chicago Bulls' first round draft pick Denzel Valentine, Chicago Bulls GM Gar Forman told the press that the Chicago Bulls would be actively looking to get "younger and more athletic".
 |
| The Chicago Bulls have been aggressively inquiring about a number of players including Philadelphia 76ers Jahlil Okafor. |
So, it was pretty easy to predict that several early off-season trade rumors suggested that the Chicago Bulls, a team flush with playoff-tested veterans, and the young Philadelphia 76ers were close to a deal.
One such rumor had the Chicago Bulls sending Derrick Rose to the 76ers for Nerlens Noel, but now that Rose has already been shipped off to the New York Knicks, the trade rumor that has taken hold has centered around Jahlil Okafor.
The Chicago Bulls, who have been actively pursuing trades, including a potential deal for Russell Westbrook, are reportedly offering Doug McDermott and 2016 First Round Pick Denzel Valentine in exchange for Jahlil Okafor.
The move would not be without risk. The 2015 #3 Overall Pick, Okafor, has had a rookie campaign marred by legal trouble. The talented first year player spent much of his rookie season in trouble with the law nearly as often as making his mark on the court.
In early October of last year, Okafor was involved in an "argument" outside of a Philadelphia nightclub involving a brandished gun.
Then on October 19th of last year, there was an incident on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge where the 6' 11" rookie forward was allegedly going 108 mph.
Then on November 26th, he was captured on video involved in an altercation outside a Boston nightclub although it is unclear whether he was the assailant. Predictably, the video was posted online.
Following the series of incidents, Jahlil Okafor made a very public apology in an effort to rehab his damaged image, in which he promised to maintain his focus on basketball.
Okafor finished his rookie season with impressive numbers (although for a historically bad 76ers team): 17.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.2 APG, and 1.2 BPG.
Okafor is a Chicago-native who was the top high school recruit in the nation his senior year in high school, who eventually decided to attend Duke University. In his single one-and-done year, he helped lead Duke to the NCAA Championship.
A return home to Chicago might greatly beneficial to Okafor, who built and maintained habits which lead to his most successful years.
In addition, with several strong veteran personalities (Butler, Wade, Rondo, etc.), Okafor may just end up in a situation that could help reduce off-court issues and help his game to flourish.
Would you like to see the Chicago Bulls make a deal with the 76ers to acquire Jahlil Okafor? Would you do this trade? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
