NBA Rumors: Would Jimmy Butler actually return to the Chicago Bulls?

NBA Rumors: Taking a closer look at whether Jimmy Butler would actually weigh the possibility of returning to the Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls are expected to take it easy this summer when it comes to NBA Free Agency. They reportedly have big eyes on next summer’s deep free agency class. And one interesting name on that projected list is none other than Jimmy Butler.

Question is, would the Bulls pursue him, and would Butler actually consider returning to Chicago? Last year at the NBA Draft, the Bulls traded Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and, essentially, Lauri Markkanen.

Despite the criticism at the time, the move has planned out for the Bulls – assuming Chicago can re-sign LaVine.

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Markkanen had his moments this season, and appears to be like a future building block for the Bulls.

As for the Wolves, they were projected to be a top 4 seed in the West playoffs until Butler went down with a knee injury and was forced the miss the latter portion of the regular season. They ended up as the 8th seed in the conference, and bowed out in the first round at the hands of the Houston Rockets.

Considering it all, though, I’d say Minnesota was pretty happy with the deal as well.

However, Butler is projected to be a free agent after next season and he’ll have the opportunity to hit the unrestricted free agent market for the first time in his career.

And he’s possibly leaving the door open for a return to the Bulls.

"[via Chicago Sun-Times]“Decisions I make, the money, my contract, all of that will handle itself. I don’t ever worry about my money. I already have enough money for the rest of my life. It’s all about winning.’’That’s why a return to the Bulls isn’t that far-fetched. After next seasonTeam president Michael Reinsdorf is a huge Butler fan, and the feeling is mutual. Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, Lauri Markkanen and a soon-to-be draft pick might need some tough love.…“If the time comes where I say, ‘You know what, I do want to end this thing in a Bulls jersey,’ I think that would be amazing. But it’s all about being wanted and winning.’’"

There’s no question that Butler loved Chicago, it’s Bulls’ management that he had a problem with. And it that changes, or if he could come to terms with their personnel, then perhaps a return to Chicago wouldn’t be that far-fetched.

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If LeBron James can forgive and work under Dan Gilbert – especially after all the nasty things he said after ‘The Decision’ – why can’t Butler?

The Bulls will be looking for a max player in 2019, and Jimmy Butler could be their guy. We’ve seen stranger things.