NBA Trade Deadline 2017: Date, Top Rumors Surrounding Star Big Men

Just three days remain before the 2017 NBA trade deadline, and front offices are working hard to execute a specific plan as either buyers, sellers or sideline-watchers.

As Feb. 23 approaches, rumors about power forwards and centers have started to gain momentum. The question is whether those players will actually be moved, or if the recent attention is simply a product of the Thursday cutoff.

So far, the biggest moves are the Toronto Raptors acquiring Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic and the New Orleans Pelicans trading for DeMarcus Cousins, with Marc Stein of ESPN.com reporting an agreement for the latter is in place.

Both teams will hope the respective signings boost hopes of a championship run. Meanwhile, other franchises aren't in the same situation and may be more interested in adding a marquee name for the future.

Rumors don't always lead to reality, but the following players have been connected to potential deadline moves.

Jahlil Okafor, Philadephia 76ers

TNT's David Aldridge reported the Philadelphia 76ers recently were so close to finalizing a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers that Jahlil Okafor had to be removed from the lineup.

A trade didn't happen, but it's clear his Philly days are numbered.

During an interview on SiriusXM NBA Radio, the second-year forward said his future is unclear, but the 76ers have been transparent throughout the, ahem, process.

"

I really don't know. Luckily for me I've had an organization that's been open with me. I know a few days ago there was a chance—there was a really good chance that I was going to be traded. My agent and our GM and just the whole organization was talking to us openly and letting me know that was a possibility.

"

Okafor, who Philadelphia selected No. 3 overall in the 2015 draft, averaged 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds en route to first-team All-Rookie honors last year. However, poor defense and a crowded frontcourt have marred his second season.

Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders noted the 76ers have discussed a potential Okafor trade with the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets and New Orleans Pelicans in addition to Portland.

"I'm just trying to focus on playing basketball," Okafor said, per ESPN's Jeff Goodman. "It's really difficult with all the rumors, not knowing if I'll be here tomorrow."

The recent rumors suggest an Okafor trade will likely occur before the deadline.

Danilo Gallinari, Denver Nuggets

Garrett Ellwood/Getty Images

Ah, yes, the annual tradition has returned.

Stein reported the Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers are monitoring the availability of Danilo Gallinari.

While it's safe to remove Toronto from that discussion because of the Ibaka trade, the Clippers could use a versatile piece like Gallinari. Their primary issue, however, is a potential lack of adequate assets to offer in return.

Although he's a small forward by official position, the 28-year-old has shifted to a stretch-4 role this season because of Denver's personnel. The 109.7 offensive rating is the highest of his tenure with the Nuggets, per NBA.com.

Gallinari, who's previously been linked to the Boston Celtics, is recovering from a groin injury, but don't be surprised if the buzz around Denver's leading scorer increases this week.

Terrence Jones, New Orleans Pelicans

As a result of the Cousins trade, there's now a logjam in the New Orleans frontcourt. While that was not and should not have been an obstacle to acquiring Boogie, it's something the Pelicans still have to address.

ESPN's Chris B. Haynes said Terrence Jones is on the block.

It's a smart move for both parties.

Jones is a fine piece, but he's averaging 24.8 minutes per game. That number would absolutely drop now that Cousins will be alongside fellow All-Star big Anthony Davis, and playing time is a major why Jones left the Houston Rockets.

"I wanted an opportunity to play for a team that is young and defining itself, but could still compete right away," Jones said in July after signing a one-year deal, per Oliver Maroney of Basketball Insiders. "I wanted a larger role, where I could really compete and help a team win."

ESPN's Tim MacMahon also notes Jones and Cousins are represented by the same agency. It behooves the Pelicans, who must attempt to re-sign Cousins as an unrestricted free agent in the 2018 offseason, to not ruffle those feathers right now.

Jones could be a quality reserve for a playoff team, and he won't command a large price because of the expiring contract.

---

Follow Bleacher Report Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.