Will the Bulls trade Jimmy Butler?
Asked about trading his most valuable player, Chicago general manager Gar Forman for whatever reason -- potentially speaking honestly about his willingness to deal anyone no matter how unrealistic it would be to find suitable return or sending Butler a message -- said, “We’ve got to explore all options.”
That opened a firestorm of speculation.
The Celtics tried to swing a deal. Timberwolves rumors persisted, though Chicago denied those. Fans of every team concocted ideas to land Butler.
But, as the signals pointed all along...
Butler is one of the NBA’s best wings, 26 and locked into a contract for three more years that was signed before the new national TV contracts kicked in. If the Bulls trade him, it’ll be for a haul.
In the meantime, they’ll lean on him -- accompanied by Dwyane Wade, Robin Lopez and Rajon Rondo -- to lead Chicago back into playoffs. How that mission goes could determine whether Chicago engages in serious Butler trade talk.