Jahlil Okafor to Bulls, Jahlil Okafor trade, Jahlil Okafor
Jan 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) drives to the net as Philadelphia 76ers centre 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. USA TODAY Sports / John Geliebter

Jahlil Okafor, the sophomore centre from Duke, is on the verge of being traded by the Philadelphia 76ers, per latest reports. The offensive-minded big man will likely be shipped ahead of the Feb. 23 NBA Trade Deadline to either the New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers or the Chicago Bulls, the three teams that have engaged in dialogue with the Sixers.

Earlier this week, the Pelicans and Sixers nearly came to terms on a trade that would have sent Okafor to New Orleans in exchange for Alexis Ajinca and a future first-round draft pick. However, Philadelphia's front office reportedly nixed the deal after mulling other offers from interested suitors such as Chicago and Portland. Okafor, a native of Chicago, has been linked to the Bulls ever since Philadelphia made the centre available via trade.

According to ESPN's Mark Stein, the Sixers were forced to bench Okafor during Saturday’s 117-109 victory over the Miami Heat due to the intensity of trade talks. "League sources told ESPN that trade talks ramped up Saturday to the point where the Sixers were moved to prevent Okafor from playing. However, no deal appeared imminent as of Saturday night," Stein reported on Saturday evening.

Jahlil Okafor trade: Sixers coach acknowledges rumours

After the game, Philadelphia 7ers coach Brett Brown confirmed that Okafor sat out of the game due to a potential trade that could likely be completed within the next few days. "As the All-Star break gets closer, possible deals have more of a chance. Although speculation is rampant all throughout stuff, you learn as the deadline gets closer, the reality that something could happen goes to a higher level," said the Sixers coach.

When asked if he would continue to sit Okafor, Brown provided a forthright answer. "It's still fluid but if you see me not play him, that's probably the reason.'' Okafor is averaging 11.6 points and 4.8 rebounds in his second season in the NBA after making the All-Rookie First Team last year. Stay tuned for the latest on the developing Jahlil Okafor trade situation and the NBA Trade Deadline.

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