Jimmy Butler has been involved in trade talks for a long time, now. This season is no different.
The Chicago Bulls’ disappointing season has led to more speculation about Butler’s future with the team. His phenomenal season has gone under the radar due to the ill-fitting team surrounding him.
There have been rumors about Butler getting traded, most notably involving the Boston Celtics. But at this point, it does not seem likely that he will be moved ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
Following via K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune:
Plenty can happen before Thursday’s 2 p.m. trade deadline, but according to multiple sources, the Bulls and Celtics haven’t held substantive talks about Butler since June, and Butler’s camp is under the impression that the Bulls won’t move the three-time All-Star this week.
Butler has no financial incentive to demand a trade; he will likely be able to command a super-max designated player extension as he nears free agency.
The Bulls have some incentive to move Butler if they intend on blowing up the team and starting from scratch. Of course, that leaves the potential to be fleeced in a trade for a superstar a la the Sacramento Kings.
Meanwhile, the Bulls seem to be willing to make other moves and they are reportedly shopping forward Nikola Mirotic and have potentially found a target:
Where the Bulls have been aggressive, sources said, is in shopping Nikola Mirotic. The Clippers are one possible destination, although Mirotic’s status as a restricted free agent this summer limits the return value.
Mirotic is not going to bring much of a return. But the Bulls need assets in young players and picks; anything is better than nothing.
