Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler and Philadelphia 76ers big man Jahlil Okafor have both been shopped around the trade rumor mill this offseason. Particularly during the NBA Draft several weeks ago, Butler and Okafor were in many team’s sights, namely the Boston Celtics.
Boston was openly interested in Butler and were in “heated” talks for Okafor during the draft. According to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, both players are still being made available for possible trades:
Sources are telling us that the C’s are still holding the line on their offers from prior to the draft. They will make trades if teams come around to their price.
Jimmy Butler and Jahlil Okafor are said to be still available, but getting them now won’t be as easy as on draft night when Chicago and Philadelphia, respectively, both coveted the No. 3 overall pick so they could take Providence’s Kris Dunn.
Bulpett was speaking from the Celtics’ point of view here, and as he mentioned, their chances of landing either Butler or Okafor may have lessened, but it’s not impossible.
Butler fills an obvious need, one that remains, while Okafor could play inside and allow Horford to spend more time at his reportedly preferred position of power forward.
There are indications the Celtics may still be able to do business with the Bulls and 76ers, but both sides will have to get creative.
Philadelphia trading Okafor has practically become a foregone conclusion. They’ve made attempts at moving one of their many bigs in either Okafor or Nerlens Noel.
Chicago is re-branding with Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol, and Joakim Noah out of the fold. Their new point guard is Rajon Rondo. Trading Butler would complete that process, but only for the right return, as Butler is now the sole cornerstone of the Bulls franchise.
Reported trade talks have quieted down for Butler and Okafor as of late, but apparently the door is still open for possibilities.
