With the Chicago Bulls already eliminated from the playoffs, the trade rumors involving Jimmy Butler are once again swirling. Although he wasn't moved before the trade deadline last February, there is now growing belief that the team may ultimately decide to deal him this summer, should the right offer come along.
The 27-year-old Marquette product may have had his best season as a pro with a career high averages of 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.9 steals per game, but with the lack of success they've had. it may lead to the Bulls' front office to decide to rebuild. The team's vice president of basketball operations, John Paxson, certainly knows how good his franchise player is, and could receive a lot in return in exchange for his services.
Pax: We respect Jimmy. Far and away best player. Didn't commit to him longterm.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) May 3, 2017
My takeaway: Bulls won't trade Butler just to say "let's rebuild" but absolutely would do full rebuild if right offer for Butler came.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) May 3, 2017
Butler's strong play has made it possible for him to establish himself as one of the best wingmen in the NBA today. That said, it can be expected that the Bulls will place a very high price tag on him before they'll even consider to let him go. Paxson and company have made it clear in the past that they want to usher in a youth movement to their team, and asking for some promising young players also remains a possibility for them to accept a potential offer.
It may still be the early days of their offseason, but the Bulls are already turning out to be one of the more interesting teams to keep an eye on come summertime. If there's anything certain at this point, the organization has a lot to think about and their decision on Butler will say a lot on which direction they are headed to.
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