Jimmy Butler (Photo : Jonathan Daniel | Getty Images Sport)
The Orlando Magic reportedly backed off from trade talks with the Chicago Bulls, despite being offered the chance to land a bonifide star player in Jimmy Butler, according to Community Sport Report Orlando (via Orlando Magic Daily).
After trading Tobias Harris to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Brandon Jennings and Ersan Ilyasova, the Magic are now trying to fill the void in the wing position.
CSR reported the Bulls actually made the two-time All-Star available for the Magic in exchange for Victor Oladipo, a first-round pick and an another rotation player like Channing Frye or Nikola Vucevic.
The Magic brain-trust didn't think twice to turn down the offer, as they believe the Bulls are asking too much for Butler, who is out for at least 3 to 4 weeks with a knee injury.
"Community Sports Report, citing a source close to the Magic, reports Chicago wanted Victor Oladipo, another player and a first round pick in exchange for Butler. The Magic reportedly declined that offer."
Butler is averaging 22.4 points along with 5.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Bulls this season.
Trade offers piling up for Pau Gasol: the Bulls have also made Gasol (17.0 points and 10.9 rebounds) available for trade discussion on Wednesday. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of the Vertical, Chicago is aggressively shopping the Spanish forward in hoping of getting a significant haul before he gets the chance to leave next summer.
The Kings have been the most aggressive suitor for Gasol so far, offering Kosta Koufos and Ben McLemore. However, the Knicks and the Raptors could also make a late push for the All-Star forward. Marc Beerman of New York Post think the Knicks can salvage Gasol by sending Robin Lopez and Kyle O'Quinn to Chicago.
Taj Gibson could also move: Gibson has long been speculated as someone who will end up elsewhere this season. According to ESPN Sr. Writer Zach Lowe, the Bulls proposed a straight up trade with Gibson going to Raptors and Patrick Paterson ending up in Windy City. No details yet if this trade will materialize before the 3 p.m deadline.
