The Bulls reportedly explored potential trade options involving Jimmy Butler last summer and again at this year’s deadline. With the team currently out of a playoff spot and embracing at least a partial rebuild, Butler figures to be available in trade talks again this offseason. However, it remains to be seen just how proactive the Bulls will be in seeking a deal.
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, one front office source told him recently that Butler is “as good as gone,” suggesting the star swingman is unlikely to start the 2017/18 season in Chicago. However, K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune paints a more nuanced picture of the Bulls’ stance.
Johnson, who appeared on Tim Bontemps’ Posting Up podcast, said there’s more of a consensus within the Bulls’ front office for a full rebuild than there was at this time a year ago (link via HoopsHype). Nonetheless, the club would still only go in that direction if it got “the right offer” for Butler. Chicago won’t go out of its way to trade the 27-year-old simply to kick-start a full-scale rebuild.
Meanwhile, Johnson also pointed out that what happens with Butler figures to have a major impact on Dwyane Wade‘s future (link via HoopsHype). If the Bulls decide to move their three-time All-Star, they’ll likely do so around the draft, before Wade’s player option decision is due. In that scenario, Wade would be extremely unlikely to opt in and stick around for a year of rebuilding.
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Butler’s situation in Chicago will be one of the more intriguing storylines to watch in the NBA this offseason, particularly if the Bulls miss the playoffs or are eliminated quickly in the first round.
It’s time to rebuild, this team is dreadful to watch.
Rebuild the front office!!!! Those shmuck so have to go. But with Reinsdorf more or less gone, the fans are screwed.
They’re really starting to remind me of the The Cubs at the end of the Hendry era.
Answer this question: If Reinsdorf, Forman, Paxson, and Hoiberg were suddenly provided clones of Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman, could they fill in the gaps and win? If your answer is No, then rebuilding is pointless.
Valentine can easily take over once Wade and Butler are out. Draft Josh Jackson who would likely be in the 10-15 range.
Will VERY likely not be available by the time the Bulls pick
he clearly meant Justin Jackson. don’t be stupid
If the Bulls trade Butler, they’ll likely have 2 extra first round picks. 3 total picks in this year’s deep draft is huge.
Would you rather have 3 first round picks or a top ten player on both sides of the ball?
I find this report incorrect simply on the rationale that the Bulls themselves still have no idea what they want to do, so how could anyone else?
get justin jackson from UNC
i love jimmy, but i support a rebuild.
Should’ve shipped him to Beantown and recouped some high draft picks but that’s none of my business☕️
They should start a rebuild but with a new Gm, and a whole new front office because they all suck including the owner.
It’s easy to talk about trading Jimmy but when it actually happens and people see he’s not worth as much as they thought he was they’ll be livid. Teams like the Celtics know how desperate the Bulls are to start the rebuild and they know that even though Jimmy is a great player he’s not a guy who will put a team on his back and carry him so they’ll lowball for him. Just like most other competent organizations.
Boston low balls for everyone, no matter how good they are. The reverse is true when trading away they’re own assets–they always expect premium returns.
Meant “their own..”
The Bulls are pretty much screwed if Butler leaves Wade will follow suite although I do believe in Valentine’s potential as the starting SG for the future. The kid in limited minutes gets up shots and has the confidence to become a first option in time, maybe they can Bridges in case Jackson is off the board, Bridges reminds me alot of Shawn Marion.
Wade is a non-factor. Moving Butler is about preparing for the future.
Butler’s head just got too big. He used to be a humble guy, and now he’s an egotistical, arrogant ball hog. He’s gotta go. He’ll be useful on another team with a coach who actually has a pair between his legs and can keep his ego in check. As for the Bulls, they need to move on from him. He does them more harm than good, but they also need to move on from the coach and front office, as well.
Continued…..The best move for the Bulls is to trade him for draft picks — on draft night. This draft is DEEP, and 2 or 3 first round picks can put them in a position to rapidly speed up the rebuild. If they could land Lonzo Ball or Fultz, and a great big man, they’ll be gold.
If the bulls trade him it won’t be for a low ball offer. He is better than Kevin love, and we was worth two first overall picks ( Wiggins and Bennett). If the celtics get butler it will be for this years nets pick and more. Teams don’t trade all star players just to trade them.
Butler to the nuggets book it
Butler to Bucks
Parker and more to Bulls
Uh, no to Parker. The Bulls are better off acquiring a high lottery pick and a few role players to help rebuild.
The spurs need to do something this off season trying to acquire jimmy even its 2 first round draft pick i know we dont have much but i feel since manu is going to retire next year jimmy can slide right in and plus maybe a crazy trade like…
Patty mills danny green and 2 future first round pick for jimmy butler the bulls are in need of a scoring point guard and a decent defender/sharp shooter in green since the bulls are rebuilding mode you have 2 solid players you can put in the starting lineup and they will give u production quick!! plus you have valentine on the up and coming…and assuming wade dont come back atlease you have decent role players to build around them maybe just saying the bulls can go after carmelo in the off season right there i see them getting back to atlease a playoff team!!!!! i see them being a 6-7 seed but thats just my opinion….
Spurs would have to part with either Simmons, Murray, or both. Especially considering the Spurs picks are bad
Butler to the Celtics
Nets 2017 First Rounder, 2 2017 Second Rounders, Yabusele, Smart, Crowder/Brown to Chicago
The bulls need to move Jimmy to SF and start Valentine at Guard.
“…Chicago won’t go out of its way…”
That is all anyone needs to know. Chicago is the most profitable franchise in the NBA — not the biggest gross, mind you, the most profitable — and they will not go out of their way to create a winner until people stop buying tickets and the TV ratings go down. They are well on their way, we cancelled our season tickets (the “deadline” was March 14) and they keep calling back, saying “you still have time” LOL. We are obviously not alone.
Going to spend the dollars I used to spend at Bulls games on forms of entertainment with a higher return.