NBA Trade Rumors: According to a report, the Boston Celtics pursuit of Jimmy Butler is real, but could be hold up because of Jae Crowder
There’s no question that the Boston Celtics hold the most power as the NBA Trade Deadline approaches. They could pretty much dictate the rest of the market.
And for a while now, they’ve had their eyes on Jimmy Butler, the same player they tried to trade for at the 2016 NBA Draft. Depending on who you’re willing to be, they may or may not have been close then.
Roughly 24 hours before the NBA’s Trade Deadline, they’re almost n the same spot. Depending on who you’re willing to believe, they may be close again.
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According to TNT’s David Aldridge, though, the Jimmy Butler talks are “real.” Perhaps most interestingly, the biggest holdup happens to be one Jae Crowder. Danny Ainge doesn’t want to include him in the deal and the Bulls are insisting he be included in any deal.
"[via David Aldridge on NBA TV, transcribed by Brian Robb, Celtics Hub]“I think the Jimmy Butler stuff is real. They have been trying to get Jimmy Butler. He doesn’t want to give up Jae Crowder. That’s the main sticking point there and he doesn’t want to give up Jae Crowder in any deal and that’s the guy the Bulls are insisting on right now in any package for Butler.”"
Of course, there are other aspects that the Bulls would want included in this hypothetical trade. If I had to guess, Chicago’s return would have to include Brooklyn’s 2017 first-round pick, Jaylen Brown and Jae Crowder, if not more.
A move that doesn’t exactly seem like THAT much considering that this is the move the Celtics have been stockpiling just for.
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So, you can see why it would be odd for Ainge to blow up the trade talks over Jae Crowder. But, that’s Danny Ainge for you. He doesn’t lose trades.