We’re about six hours away from the NBA trade deadline. Most believe at this point that barring an unexpectedly massive offer from Danny Ainge, the Bulls will hold onto All Star Jimmy Butler. But Gar Forman and John Paxson want to make something happen today, whether that be trading away either Nikola Mirotic or Taj Gibson.
Forwards For Sale
Earlier this morning, ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that the Bulls and 76ers are still in talks about a trade for Jahlil Okafor. The 21 year old center played high school ball at Whitney Young in Chicago. According to Stein, the Bulls are Okafor’s first choice if he dealt.
The Sixers will make the best deal they can find, of course, but word is Jahlil Okafor's preferred destination on Deadline Day is Chicago.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 23, 2017
The two teams still need to find common ground on the other pieces of this trade. Philadelphia is looking for a first round draft pick and a player for Okafor, but the Bulls don’t want to surrender that pick that they value greatly. They are trying instead to convince the 76ers to take the slumping Mirotic.
Bulls have shown no inclination to this point of including 1st rd pick, along w/ player, 76ers have been seeking for Okafor. Niko available.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 23, 2017
It’s possible that Philadelphia could send the Bulls a second round pick along with Jahlil to sweeten the deal, but that still might not be enough for GarPax to pull the trigger.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder are reportedly interested in a different forward on the Bulls roster. Workhorse veteran Taj Gibson could give OKC an additional enforcer to help on the defensive end as they prepare for a playoff push behind likely MVP Russell Westbrook.
The Thunder are frequently good for a Deadline Day surprise and league sources say Chicago's Taj Gibson has emerged as an OKC trade target.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 23, 2017
The Bulls are looking for draft picks and young talent. Small forward Jerami Grant (brother of Bulls guard Jerian) is shooting 38.1% from downtown this season, which is better than most on Fred Hoiberg’s roster. Shooting guard Alex Abrines (37.5%) is also decent from deep. Abrines contract could balance with Gibson’s in a two-player swap, but Grant is still on his rookie scale deal. The Thunder do have their first round pick in 2017, but they might not believe Taj on a half-season loan is equal value. They owe their second round pick this summer to Denver, but could offer two second round picks in 2018 (one via Boston) instead.
The Bulls are also shopping Doug McDermott, according to Stein. That fits with similar reports from recent weeks.
Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott and especially Nikola Mirotic … Chicago Bulls all in play today on Deadline Day according to league sources.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 23, 2017
Less than six hours to go. Deep breaths, everyone.
Sports Mockery will keep you up to speed on any developments with either of these potential trades. Follow @Bulls_Peck on Twitter for the latest.
