NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls Trading Jimmy Butler This Summer


NBA rumors have been swirling around Jimmy Butler. The Chicago Bulls season thus far has not turned out like how they have wanted it to. The Bulls might be willing to start listening to offers for their star shooting guard. According to Fox Sports, several NBA teams are interested in acquiring Butler for the right price. The Bulls will need to rebuild their team this offseason and Butler is the guy on the roster that can net the biggest return. That’s due to Butler’s ascension to being one of the best two-way players in the National Basketball Association.

The Chicago Bulls had high hopes coming into the 2015-2016 NBA season. The Bulls felt they were a title contending team this year. Yet, things went in the opposite direction for Chicago.

They are currently sitting at ninth place in the Eastern Conference. Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah will be leaving during the free agency period this summer. Derrick Rose is struggling to get back to his MVP form. That is why Butler is the biggest draw.

Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor
Jahlil Okafor [Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images]
With Jerry Colangelo at the helm, the Philadelphia 76ers will be trying to bring back the team to a respectable state. Trading with the Chicago Bulls for Jimmy Butler will help speed up that process. For this trade to happen, the 76ers will have to give up the Los Angeles Lakers first round pick in the NBA Draft and Jahlil Okafor. If the Bulls don’t want Okafor, they can also choose from Nerlens Noel or Joel Embiid.

Kobe Bryant is retiring at the end of the season. The Los Angeles Lakers need to find someone to take the torch and become the next franchise superstar. Last summer, the Lakers tried to sign Jimmy Butler to a max contract. The Chicago Bulls will most likely want either Julius Randle or D’Angelo Russell in return for Butler.

Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe
Eric Bledsoe [Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images]
The Phoenix Suns have been looking to get back to the NBA Playoffs. The Suns are in need of a superstar caliber type player. Phoenix also needs a go-to player. Jimmy Butler can be that guy. Butler is someone who can take over during crunch time. For this trade to happen, the Suns will need to give up either Eric Bledsoe or Brandon Knight. Phoenix also has a variety of young talent to get the interest of the Chicago Bulls.

The Orlando Magic have been looking for the next franchise player since Dwight Howard was traded. The Magic have many young, up-and-coming talent on their roster, but not someone who can become “the guy.” Acquiring Jimmy Butler, Orlando will be taking steps towards the right direction. There’s Mario Hezonja, Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo, and a 2018 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers. The Chicago Bulls will get to decide on who they would like in return for Butler.

Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Thomas [Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images]
Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics have been looking for a superstar ever since Paul Pierce. During the NBA trade deadline, the Celtics made an attempt to get Jimmy Butler from the Chicago Bulls. Ainge has stated in an interview that Boston is missing more offensive fire power. The Celtics have a collection of young talent along with draft picks in the upcoming draft.

Trading away an All-Star who is in his prime may not always be the best idea. How the Chicago Bulls NBA season has gone thus far, they will be looking to change up their roster. Jimmy Butler will have the biggest draw. If the Bulls are looking to get young talent and draft picks, trading Butler away might be the best way to get them.

[Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images]

Share this article: NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls Trading Jimmy Butler This Summer
More from Inquisitr