Chicago Bulls: Jimmy Butler Reportedly Not Expecting to Get Traded

Despite the heavy rumors, Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler and his camp are reportedly not expecting a trade prior to upcoming NBA Trade Deadline.

The Chicago Bulls are in a very interesting spot right now. They are not a championship caliber team and they lack legitimate young talent to build around. Simply put, the Bulls are stuck in mediocrity at the moment.

Jimmy Butler is really the only positive part of the Chicago Bulls these days. Butler has become one of the premier players in the NBA this season, showing the ability to dominate on both sides of the court. However, the Bulls have done a terrible job of building around him.

Instead of getting young and more athletic this past off season, the Bulls added Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade.

This team needs a rebuild in the worst way. The only issue is that they do not have any significant assets that other teams value. Well, expect for Jimmy Butler.

It would be incredibly difficult to trade a player like Butler, but he would bring back a significant return. The Bulls have been extremely hesitate to rebuild, but if they finally pull the trigger, it all starts with trading Butler.

While I question whether the Bulls are forward thinking enough to make a rebuilding move like trading Butler, there has certainly been a lot of talk about the possibility. The Boston Celtics in particular have been the team most commonly rumored for a Butler destination. Loaded with significant draft assets and interesting young players, the Celtics could undoubtedly put together an enticing package for Butler.

It is a deal that would make sense for both sides. However, it is probably unlikely to happen, at least according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

"Plenty can happen before Thursday’s 2 p.m. trade deadline, but according to multiple sources, the Bulls and Celtics haven’t held substantive talks about Butler since June, and Butler’s camp is under the impression that the Bulls won’t move the three-time All-Star this week."

Johnson is as plugged in as it gets. Him saying this makes me think that a Butler trade is less likely than I would have an hour ago. However, there is still a long time to go until Thursday afternoon. This could undoubtedly change quickly.

If the Chicago Bulls are serious about a rebuild, they need to aggressively shop Butler. This is a team that is not going anywhere. Their path to a championship is through a rebuild, not continuing to over-pay players past their prime.

Next: To Trade or Not to Trade

It is never easy to trade your best player, but now is the time. If Boston, or anyone else for that matter, is willing to give up a haul for Butler, the Bulls need to pull the trigger. However, this appears relatively unlikely to happen.

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