NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler Is ‘As Good As Gone’
NBA Rumors: One NBA executive believes that Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler is “as good as gone” as the offseason approaches
Depending on who you’re willing to believe, Jimmy Butler was nearly traded at the NBA Trade Deadline. Or, at the very least, there were conversations about the idea of it in the Chicago Bulls front office.
In the end, as was the case last summer, the Bulls elected to retain Butler and not trade him. However, at least one NBA executive believes that won’t be the case this summer.
According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, Butler is believed to be “as good as gone.”
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"Paul George and Jimmy Butler were involved in trade rumors at the deadline, and all indications are that those conversations will resume this offseason. One front-office source told me recently that Butler is “as good as gone,” while George sounds like a player who wants out."
The Boston Celtics were the main team that was inquiring about Butler at the NBA Trade Deadline. In the end, they weren’t willing to seriously discuss the possibility of acquiring the All-Star. Either that, or Danny Ainge was being frugal again. – probably the latter.
Nevertheless, if the Bulls are finally willing to seriously shop Butler this summer, the Celtics will be the team that everyone watches. They’re the team that has the assets to get such a move done and the team that could actually be a Butler away from seriously contending in the Eastern Conference.
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After this season, Butler will have three years remaining on his contract, with a opt out in the final year. Based on the money that will be made by max players this summer, his $18.6 million next season – and $19.8 million in 2018 – will be considered a huge discount.