Jimmy Butler dunks on Rudy Gay (Photo : Jonathan Daniel | Getty Images Sport)
The NBA trade rumors will re-ignite before the season ends and there are already some deadline deals that may be revisited.
Chris Mannix of The Vertical at Yahoo Sports reported that coach Fred Hoiberg and Jimmy Butler could be the center of the turmoil that is hounding the Chicago Bulls.
The report claimed that even Butler, the team's anointed (though some quarters say some teammates are reluctant) star could be traded for the right package.
"Indeed, no one is untouchable," Mannix declared. "The palace intrigue that surrounded Butler and Hoiberg prompted several teams to inquire about Butler's availability at the trade deadline. Though they were rebuffed, several rival executives told The Vertical they intend to try again. Boston was among the teams trying to pry away Butler in February, and several executives point to Orlando, with its treasure trove of young players and defensive-minded head coach, as a team to watch closely in the pursuit of Butler."
The previous report on the Orlando trade at the deadline had the Magic sending Victor Oladipo and a big man, either Channing Frye or Nic Vucevic. Since Frye has already been traded, it would probably be Vucevic, if the report holds true. If the Bulls want someone who fits in Hoiberg's system, they could ask for rising star Aaron Gordon.
For the Boston Celtics, the offer according to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald centered on the Brooklyn Nets draft pick.
"According to one source who was linked to a player involved in the potential transaction, the Celtics were willing to give up two first-round draft picks this year, the unprotected pick from the Nets and Dallas' choice, which is protected if in the top seven."
Perhaps the main problem for the Celtics offer is that the Brooklyn Nets pick value is still undetermined. Most pundits agree that this is a two-man draft. The only potential difference makers in the 2016 NBA draft are Brandon Ingram and Ben Simmons and the Bulls would probably trade someone like Jimmy Butler if they had a shot to land any of the two.
Also, at the trade deadline, the Bulls were still aspiring to make a playoff run. The Bulls are not getting any active players in return and it could be Boston's subtle way of taking out one possible playoff rival.
However, those reasons are no longer in play in the offseason. If the Celtics get a top two pick and still offer it to the Bulls would probably agree.
