Jimmy Butler to Boston rumors have run rampant over the past year or so. It’s a trade that makes sense for both teams, in theory; the Celtics have plenty of assets, and the Bulls have a star in a rough situation. So why haven’t these teams pulled the trigger? Sean Deveney of Sporting News writes that it’s because of “cold feet:”
The answer: Each franchise has pretty cold feet on a Butler deal.
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There have been tepid discussions about Butler-to-the-Celtics at various times over the past year, though nothing pressing in recent weeks, according to league sources. It’s safe to assume that there will be renewed talks this week. But that does not mean a deal will get done, not with both sides tentative about the wisdom of a trade that the rest of the NBA’s observer class seems to think is such an obvious fit.
League sources told SN this weekend that the Bulls are still very much uncertain of the direction they want to take this season. Rebuilding makes the most sense — the decision to sign veterans Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade last summer was a mistake — but the Bulls are still very much in position to make the playoffs in the East.
Reminder: Most logical trades don’t actually materialize.
Deveney also reports that the Celtics are interested in acquiring Phoenix Suns wing P.J. Tucker:
Boston has expressed deep interest in Tucker ahead of the deadline, a source said. Get Tucker, and the Celtics can add depth without giving up on a potential No. 1 pick. And there is cap space available this summer to sign a player in free agency. Without trading for Butler, Boston could keep the pick and get a name player this summer.
