The Chicago Bulls are entering a new era after the departure of 2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose as Jimmy Butler takes the reign as team's No. 1 superstar. However, the latest rumors suggest that Butler could end up being traded at the February deadline if he does mesh well with new teammates Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo.
The Bulls are coming off a very disappointing season wherein they missed the playoffs for the first since drafting Rose in 2008. The team was plagued by injuries but overall the players failed to get their chemistry going under new head coach Fred Hoiberg, per Hoops Habit.
The Chicago front office made some major changes in their roster when they trade Rose to the New York Knicks and let Joakim Noah walk in free agency. They added players such as Robin Lopez but two major signings were Rondo and Wade.
Rondo, who is a one-time NBA champion and a four-time All-Star, is coming off a bounce-back season with the Sacramento Kings. On the other hand, Wade has come home to Chicago and left Miami after playing there for 13 years.
The Bulls now have "Big 3" of their own in Butler, Rondo, and Wade but some experts believe that there is a possibility that these three stars will not mesh very well. All three need the ball in their hands to be effective and they cannot be trusted as a catch and shoot guys because of their poor shooting.
According to Arthur Hill of Hoops Rumors, the Bulls will look to trade Butler if his chemistry with his new teammates does not work. He also pointed out the fact that he had a very shaky relationship with his coach, who is far different from former Chicago head coach Tom Thibodeau.
"Butler had a well-publicized clash with coach Fred Hoiberg last season, and if he doesn't mesh well with newcomers Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo, look for trade rumors to heat up again," Hill opined.
It is also noted that some of the teams that could swing a deal for Butler are the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves. Nevertheless, there is a chance that the three can work together and help Chicago reach the playoffs.
However, it is likely that it will implode due to the personalities of Butler, Wade and Rondo colliding, and Hoiberg not having the power to stop it from happening. Check out the video below for the Top 10 Plays of Jimmy Buckets' career.