Jimmy Butler (Photo : Getty Images)
The NBA trade rumors continue for the Chicago Bulls' Jimmy Butler and an unlikely contender for his services could emerge.
As the season mercifully ended for the hapless Chicago Bulls, various issues popped up, specifically from their own beat reporters. Much of the controversy centered on the Jimmy Butler's ascension to become the team's superstar. Blog A Bull compiled remarks from Sam Smith of Bulls.com, Nick Friedell of ESPN among others, and found that there were indeed some factions in the locker room.
Friedell was quoted: "I don't think you can see a situation where Jo and Jimmy return. I would be shocked if all three of Jo, Jimmy and Derrick are at training camp."
While it may seem logical to trade off Derrick Rose and let Joakim Noah walk, it would be more difficult, not to mention Rose would not bring back a lot in return. Also, the Bulls made it public that they want to re-sign Noah and has shown hesitation in dispelling the Jimmy Butler trade rumors.
If Butler were to be traded, what would be the best scenario in terms of what the Bulls could get in return? The Philadelphia 76ers, despite their league-worst record, has assets that could boost the Bulls rebuild, as discussed in their team site, Liberty Ballers.
The Sixers have two young centers still on their rookie deals-a premium for rebuilding teams. While the Bulls are still undecided on a full rebuild, there is a chance they lose Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah which would make them very thin at the frontline.
There were two packages quoted the first involved sending Nerlens Noel, the incoming Dario Saric, the OKC Pick (26th), and Sixers 2017 1st round pick protected 1-7 on 2017 and 2018, and then unprotected in 2019.
Noel is a young defensive center which would fit Fred Hoiberg's system better than Okafor. Saric is still a mystery and there is also a risk that the Sixers pick would not return until 2019.
Another scenario is centered on Okafor-who actually has roots in Chicago. Add-ons would be Jerami Grant or Richaun Holmes and the Sixers throw in both the Miami and OKC(24th and 26th) picks in 2016.
These are hypothetical trades based on speculation but an actual offer could be made which would be similar to the scenarios above.
The X-factor here would be Dario Saric. He is the type of stretch four that the Bulls would want, but the rumor is the Bulls would rather have Okafor than Noel despite the Duke standout being a low-post player.
Jimmy Butler on the Sixers instantly make them a possible playoff team if the Sixers stay inside the top two of the draft, which would make them end up with either Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram.
