Within the last three days, there were conflicting reports regarding the status of Chicago Bulls star guard Jimmy Butler.
Trade rumors heated up prior to Thursday's NBA Draft and escalated when reports began surfacing that Butler could possibly be traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
That didn't last long when other reports began to say Butler did not want to be traded and would like to remain in Chicago. Butler is without a doubt a loyal player and never expressed discontent with the team itself through whatever turmoil came about.
He signed an extension to continue to build in Chicago and worked with coach Fred Hoiberg on a rocky relationship, to come to an understanding and to do what was best for the team.
Butler was met with a surprising trade Thursday afternoon when Bulls management sent him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster deal that sent ripples through the league. While he will be united with his former and respected coach Tom Thibodeau, there is a feeling he may not be happy about the move, although he has remained quiet.
The Bulls are not so loyal, at least according to Butler's trainer Trevelle Gaines. Moments after the announcement of the trade he took to social media to blast Bulls management for being dishonest.
https://twitter.com/travellegaines/status/878078236780937218
General manger John Paxson later said the team made a decision to rebuild and so they facilitated the trade. Whatever the plan is it doesn't include Butler.
Bulls ambassador Scottie Pippen chimed in on Twitter stating he hates to see Butler gone, but the team is moving forward and that he had no issue with the move.
That said, I'm ok with the move. It's about what's next. 3 talented young players coming to Chicago. Time for a new direction & fresh start.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) June 23, 2017
The only problem with the new direction there seems to be is, none of the players had a clue about it.
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