Da Windy City
Fansided

Jimmy Butler reportedly trying to push Chicago Bulls to trade him to Cleveland Cavaliers

By Dan Schmelzer

May 14, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles the ball around Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles the ball around Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

According to a recent report, Jimmy Butler is urging the Chicago Bulls to trade him to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Now, this is an interesting turn of events. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times just came in hot with this piece of Jimmy Butler news:

"According to multiple sources out of Cleveland, not only have Cavaliers players — including LeBron James and Kyrie Irving — been reaching out to Butler directly and through back channels over the last five days to gauge his interest, but liked what they heard back from the Bulls three-time All-Star.One of the sources indicated that Butler would even push his front office to get the deal done."

Despite constant rumors over the past year-plus, Jimmy Butler has stated many times that he does not want to be traded. However, with talks seemingly picking up even more in recent days heading into the 2017 NBA Draft, perhaps Butler is now looking to pick his own destination?

The Cavs came up as a rumored landing spot for Butler on Monday night, but general manager David Griffin leaving the team seemed to make a trade with Cleveland unlikely. However, if Butler is truly pushing for a trade to play with LeBron and company, this is something that could come together very quickly.

The Bulls still hold all of the leverage here, but it would be more difficult to trade Butler to a different team if he is publically stating that he wants to go to Cleveland. On paper, the Bulls and Cavs do not match up well for a trade. The Bulls are going to want pieces who can help them in the long-term and Cleveland simply does not have that.

Next: Now is the time for Bulls to trade Butler

That being said, if the two sides can get a third team involved, a deal is certainly possible. The Cavs could send Kevin Love to the third team, with that team sending young assets to the Bulls. K.C. Johnson mentioned the Phoenix Suns as a possible third team candidate on Monday and Cowley lists the Los Angeles Lakers as a logical fit. The Denver Nuggets would be another team that could make some sense.

Whether a trade happens or not, expect to see A LOT of Jimmy Butler trade talk to continue in the coming days.

Home/Chicago Bulls