Da Windy City
Fansided

NBA Trade Rumors: Could the Chicago Bulls trade Jimmy Butler to the Cavs?

By Khari Thompson

Feb 25, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) shoots over the defense of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Bulls won 117-99. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) shoots over the defense of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Bulls won 117-99. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Would the Chicago Bulls allow a trade in which Jimmy Butler ended up with their division rival, the Cleveland Cavaliers?

And we thought this weekend featured some wild NBA trade rumors. Multiple sources just laid down some potentially big news: the Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly been working on a multi-team trade to try and acquire Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls.

When I talked earlier about the Bulls possibly trading Butler to start their rebuild, this wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.

Such a move would accomplish Chicago’s goal of trying to reopen a new championship window with younger players. But at what cost to the Bulls? And what would they be getting in return?

The Cost

Obviously, finally parting with Butler would signify the end of the Bulls’ current championship window, if it can be called that. Their best player would be gone. Dwyane Wade, who can exercise a player option to return next year, would likely head elsewhere. And if they’re not going to contend, Chicago probably will elect not to bring back Rajon Rondo. With their absences leaving behind a talent-poor core, the Bulls would very well become a lottery team. In fact, one could expect a decent likelihood of picking first overall in next year’s draft, even as bad as the East is.

More from Da Windy City

But beyond that, giving Butler to the Cavaliers would add insult to some already lingering injuries. Forget about the Bulls beating the Cavs three times last year in the regular season, because that doesn’t matter. The Bulls would be helping Cleveland extend its dominance over their division and the Eastern Conference for the foreseeable future. Of course, perhaps Butler wouldn’t stay long-term, instead of seeking to lead his own team after a year.

Could the Bulls be alright with letting Butler fall into the hands of one of their division rivals, especially one that’s made three straight NBA Finals? From a competitive standpoint, I would think not. Then again, regardless of whether the Bulls traded or kept Butler, they’re not going to contend for a few years anyway. Maybe, besides pride, letting the Cavs have him isn’t much of a blow at all in the grand scheme of things.

The Return

This is where a potential trade to the Cavaliers gets tricky. As mentioned before, the Cavs don’t have much in the way of draft assets. They have no 2017 draft picks at all at this moment, and they traded their 2019 first-round pick to Atlanta for Kyle Korver. That’s why Cleveland is currently seeking to involve a third team in trade discussions.

Meanwhile, other teams look like they could be more logical, straight-up trade partners if the Bulls want to relinquish Butler. We all know what the Boston Celtics could offer a trove of assets (including the #3 pick). Also, the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Butler’s beloved former coach Tom Thibodeau, have also called about Butler. With the seventh-overall pick and young talent like Kris Dunn, Zach Lavine and Shabazz Muhammad, the Wolves have the capital to make that move.

However, if they pinpoint a third team, the Cavs have assets of their own to give: established veterans. At the top of that list resides Kevin Love. He by himself is worth a superstar like Paul George and therefore could fetch a bevy of draft picks. Cleveland could also dangle players like Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert in a package deal. So one can’t assume the Cavs couldn’t get the Bulls what they want somehow.

Next: Why it's the right time to trade Jimmy Butler

The question is whether the Bulls could stomach watching Butler help the Cavaliers keep dominating the Eastern Conference. As reluctant as the Bulls already are to admit they can’t dethrone the Cavs, this move would be a shocker. Then again, stranger things have happened.

One thing’s for certain: if the Celtics want Butler, they might have to step up their game. They’ve got company.

Home/Chicago Bulls