The Boston Celtics could still pursue a trade for Jimmy Butler after successfully adding Al Horford to the team's lineup.
The Celtics are clearly one the winning teams in this year's free agency after signing Al Horford to a four-year $113 million deal. But Boston may not be done yet, according to Quentin Hayes of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, with the team rumored to be trading for Butler, who has been linked to numerous trade speculations in the past few months.
"The Celtics should want Butler whether Durant commits or not," Hayes wrote.
"The Celtics made a big move and got better. However, there's more work to be done to move from their current position to a realistic championship contender."
Adding Butler to a lineup of Isaiah Thomas and Horford could certainly boost the Celtics to become an instant favorite to challenge any LeBron James-led squad. Butler, who averaged a career-best 20.9 points and 4.8 assists with the Bulls last season, could slide in as the other go-to-guy for the Celtics.
The Celtics could give up some of their key player like Avery Bradley or Jae Crowder, and possibly include third overall pick Jaylen Brown, a 19-year-old small forward who could also become one of the best two-way players in the league.
After trading Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks, and letting go of Joakim Noah in free agency, the Bulls are also likely to lose unrestricted free agent Pau Gasol, who seems inclined to sign with the San Antonio Spurs. It leaves the Bulls with Butler the only player in that core remaining in Chicago, sparking speculations about moving the 26-year-old shooting guard.
However, Bulls general manager Gar Forman has shut down any rumors about trading Butler after the draft night. Forman refuted any claims of the Bulls talking about a Butler trade, in which involves a scenario of Chicago sending the two-time All-Star to the Celtics for the No. 3 pick.
"We have never made a call in regards to Jimmy Butler. We've talked about, we value Jimmy Butler, we're very happy to have Jimmy Butler," Forman said, reports CSN Chicago.
The Celtics have a serious chance to land top free agent Kevin Durant when the OKC Thunder star makes his decision in the next few days. Durant's addition would ultimately push the Celtics as favorites to win the title next year, but adding Butler would only solidify their position to win an 18th championship banner.