The Minnesota Timberwolves could explore an alternative package for Chicago Bulls Jimmy Butler if the team deems Andrew Wiggins untouchable from trade deals.
The Wolves are reportedly interested in trading for Butler in a potential deal involving Minnesota's No. 5 pick in the 2016 NBA draft, according to ESPN's Marc Stein and Chad Ford. While the Bulls would get the top pick they coveted in Providence guard Kris Dunn, the team still wants Andrew Wiggins included in any deal, reports KC Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
"... a source familiar with the Bulls' plans said they would ask for 2014 No. 1 pick and promising swingman Andrew Wiggins in any discussions for Butler," Johnson wrote.
Considering Wiggins' potential to become a perennial All-Star, it is unlikely the Wolves would include the former No. 1 pick on a trade deal for someone who offers almost the same skillset Wiggins has. According to Joel Brigham of Basketball Insiders, an alternative if Wiggins is unavailable could be a package involving the No. 2 pick, Ricky Rubio and Gorgui Dieng.
"Another option would be to try and pry Rubio away from Minnesota as the primary piece of the trade, along with defensive big man Gorgui Dieng, who would go a long way toward replacing whatever big men in Chicago depart for greener pastures this summer," Brigham wrote.
Rubio, despite his poor outside shooting, would still be a fit as point guard who can run an up-tempo offense Fred Hoiberg has been implanting in Chicago and would maximize the potential of other players thru his incredible floor vision and pin-point passes.
After spending all five years without any experience playing in the playoffs, Rubio is expecting significant changes from the Timberwolves next season or he would greatly consider joining contenders. The Bulls may not be strong contenders whether Butler be traded or not, but playing in the Eastern Conference gives Rubio a chance to sneak into the playoffs.
On the other hand, Dieng would be the Bulls' assurance in case Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah leave the Bulls in free agency. Dieng experienced the best season of his career this past season, averaging 10.1 points and 7.1 rebounds, while playing under 30 minutes per game. With Gasol and Noah presumably out of the Bulls' rotation, Dieng could take over as the team's starting center.
Rubio and Dieng, plus the No. 5 pick, would be great pieces in the Bulls' rebuild. However, it is still unlikely Chicago would give up Butler without getting a frontline player from the Timberwolves, which makes Wiggins the only trade bait Chicago may bite.