8:41pm: The Bulls’ negotiations with the Celtics at No. 3 for Dunn were more serious than their talks with the Wolves for Dunn, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter link). ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne adds that Chicago was listening on Butler, rather than shopping him.
Shelburne agrees that the Bulls’ talks with Boston more serious than their discussions with Minnesota, and says Butler looks poised to stay put for now. According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com (Twitter link), the Wolves haven’t given up on a potential deal, but the longer they go without an agreement, the less likely it is to happen.
8:06pm: There are plenty of conflicting reports out there on the Bulls/Timberwolves talks now. ESPN’s Marc Stein tweets that discussions are in the advanced stages, and other reporters have suggested the deal is still very much in play. However, NBA.com’s David Aldridge (Twitter link) has been told there’s “no chance” of the trade being completed, and some reporters have echoed that report as well.
7:45pm: The Bulls and Wolves continue to have “serious talks” about a trade that would involve Butler and Dunn, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical (via Twitter). According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter), there is a strong sentiment within the Bulls front office to enter full rebuilding mode and trade for Dunn. There’s “rising optimism” on both sides that a deal can get done, tweets Marc Stein of ESPN.com.
7:22pm: The Timberwolves are still trying to get the Bulls to agree to a deal involving Jimmy Butler and Providence point guard Kris Dunn, tweets Marc Stein of ESPN.com. A potential deal between Minnesota and Chicago broke down earlier because the Bulls wanted Zach LaVine to be included rather than Ricky Rubio, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical (Twitter link).
The Bulls and Sixers were both trying to obtain the No. 5 selection before the Wolves took Dunn, Stein tweeted. Philadelphia offered the same package to Minnesota that it presented Boston for the third pick, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press (Twitter link).
If the Timberwolves hold onto Dunn, that probably means Rubio’s days in Minnesota are numbered, tweets Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, who adds that Rubio has been shopped all week. The initial feeling is that the Wolves are likely to hold onto Dunn, despite aggressive offers from interested teams, according to Stein (Twitter link). Dunn was atop the draft board of new coach executive Tom Thibodeau, Wojnarowski reports (Twitter link).
Gar doesn’t have the huevos to make a big trade.
Bulls would have to get Dunn, Lavine, Muhammed, and a future pick if Wiggins isn’t involved, and that may be light…
What is with Wolves’ admiration with Lavine? Dude Butler is putting Minnesota in the playoffs easily, please trade Dunn to Chicago, it benefits both sides. The Bulls can rebuild things quick with Lavine and Dunn in the backcourt.
Lavine is only 21 years old, dramatic improvement last season from his first, extraordinary athlete, great work ethic, and looks to be a player rising fast. Quite likely, a better player than Butler in a couple of seasons. Wolves are better off with Wiggins and Lavine along with Dunn as they develop rather than bringing Butler on board.
I don’t think he’ll be a better player than Butler ever, but Wolves fans sure have plenty of reason to be excited with Dunn and that group.
LaVine, Rubio and 2017 1st for Butler, make it happen.
Dunn rubio, are for sure maybe 1 more, if it has Lavine in it just a bad trade
Pg-Lavine
Sg-butler
Sf-Wiggins
Pf-Deng
C-Towns
Can’t see Thibs trading Dunn. His kind of player. Twolves did not think he would be there.
Jimmy Butler is more of his kind of player.
Butler would vault the Wolves into a contender next season possibly if Wiggins and Towns make the leap. Dunn will not do that, Bulls can get more out of Dunn as their franchise guard along with Valentine
Woj just tweeted a deal is done… Butler for Dunn, LaVine, and a 2nd… Jk. Fake account. Dbags
Didn’t Butler have some problems with Thibs as well as the front office? Seems like a bad idea…
Butler loves Tibs and vice versa!
Huh ok my bad!
Bulls taking valentine over Baldwin signal something is one with minnesota?
Would have been surprised if butler was moved