Chicago Bulls embrace rebuild by trading Jimmy Butler to Minnesota Timberwolves
After much speculation, the Chicago Bulls finally traded Jimmy Butler, marking the official start of their rebuilding process.
The Chicago Bulls have officially embraced the rebuild.
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Shortly after the draft, news broke that the Bulls had agreed in principle to send Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the seventh-overall pick and guards Kris Dunn, last year’s fifth-overall pick, and Zach Lavine. For Butler, it means being reunited with former coach Thom Thibodeau, who helped groom him into a two-star. For the Bulls, it signals a willingness to start over and attempt to open a new championship window.
Butler had been the subject of trade rumors for much of this week, with the ‘Wolves, Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers all displaying strong interest in him. However, Minnesota’s combination of draft capital and young talent won the sweepstakes for the Chicago star. He will join Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Wiggins in what could be a potent lineup with high upside.
Meet the New Bulls
On the other hand, Lavine and Dunn provide plenty of potential of their own.
Before tearing his ACL, Lavine averaged nearly 19 points per game on 45.9% shooting (38.7% from three) at only 21 years old. If he returns to pre-injury form, he could be a centerpiece of Chicago’s offense for years to come. Plus, even if he loses some explosiveness post-injury, he’ll likely still be monstrously athletic.
Meanwhile, Dunn very well could assert himself within the Bulls’ point guard rotation next season. Though he didn’t gain much playing time as a rookie, his 10.1 point/6.0 rebound/6.8 assist averages per 48 minutes bode well for a potentially increased role.
Also, with the addition of a new point guard, the Bulls may officially say goodbye to Rajon Rondo. The Bulls announced that they would wait until next week to decide on the veteran’s $13.4 million option for 2017. However, with a cheaper, higher-upside option at point guard, Rondo may be on the way out.
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After weeks, months, and years of doubt about the franchise’s direction, the Chicago Bulls finally set the record straight. By moving Butler, getting the seventh pick and grabbing two very young players that could become stars, the team is setting its course for the future.
And it’s about time.