Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago reported on Tuesday that the Chicago Bulls are shopping Jimmy Butler, and the Cavs and Celtics were the most likely to land him.
With the rumors swirling, Butler has reportedly informed the Cavaliers that he'd rather remain with the Bulls and not be traded to Cleveland, according to David Aldridge of TNT.
Where does that leave the Celtics?
Speaking to CSNNE on Boston Sports Tonight, Goodwill explained why Butler's decision not to go to Cleveland might apply to Boston as well.
“I think he would probably say the same thing [to the Celtics],” Goodwill said on Boston Sports Tonight. “He didn’t tell the Cavs that he’d rather be Boston, or he’d rather be somewhere else. He said he’d rather stay with the Chicago Bulls. I don’t think he’s giving a whole lot of wiggle room to that, or a whole lot for the Celtics to interpret as a positive sign for them.
“If Cleveland isn’t an option right now - especially if he has two years left on his contract - then I don’t think the Celtics necessarily have as strong of a chance now either.”
According to Goodwill's initial report, the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets have also expressed interest in Butler.
Boston Celtics
Butler has two years remaining on his contract, with a player option for the 2019-20 season.