Jimmy Butler's exit from the Chicago Bulls franchise was only smooth due to its unexpected nature, as the struggling franchise cleaned house by trading him for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and rights to the seventh overall selection of the draft, which turned into Lauri Markkanen.
Yet the 6-foot-7 wing has embraced his role on a new team and his reunion with former head coach Tom Thibodeau and despite only having the fifth-highest usage rate on the team, he's made the most of his stint there by leading them to a 7-3 record after a dubious start.
Butler will forgive, but not forget as the All-Star forward has circled his return to the Windy City to make the visit count.
“I said from the beginning that it was either going to be me or the Fred Hoiberg route. And, rightfully so, they took Fred. Good for them,” Butler said of his exit in an interview with Sam Alipour of ESPN's Hang Time via The Chicago Tribune. “I have that game marked on my calendar. February 9, baby, I’m back.”
Hoiberg took the high road after the organization managed to trade Butler, waive Rajon Rondo, and buy out the remaining year in Dwyane Wade's contract, setting up a rebuilding season for the franchise.
“We miss Jimmy,” said Hoiberg, according to Teddy Greenstein of The Chicago Tribune. “He is an unbelievable player and has had a great impact on winning for Minnesota. And he will continue to do that. We always wish him the best.”
Butler is sure to have something in his back pocket when he takes on the Bulls, reminding his former team of the caliber of his play, which they had only a season ago.
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