The NBA trade rumors had another All-Star player in its marquee with Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls.
Known as one of the best two-way players in the league, Butler would be a hot commodity if the report holds true. Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report stayed cautious and stated that the Bulls would actually listen to trade offers, as opposed to shopping their franchise player.
The Bulls are currently in the crossroads as their "Three Alphas" experiment seems to have unraveled. While the obvious player to dispose is Rajon Rondo, he is unlikely to bring back a substantial return (if any). However trading Jimmy Butler could give the Bulls a fresh start.
Two teams could be at the forefront of the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes. They have talent to offer for the present and assets to help Chicago in the future.
The Minnesota Timberwolves has a connection with the Bulls because of Tom Thibodeau. The Bulls previously asked for Andrew Wiggins as part of the trade package along with the no.5 overall pick.
Even if Wiggins were off the table, the Wolves would still have a lot to offer. They owe their 2018 first round pick so they can't trade it away but they have Zach Lavine, Shabazz Muhammad, Gorgui Dieng and even Ricky Rubio to slide in Rondo's position. If push comes to shove, they might even include Wiggins since Thibodeau is Butler's mentor.
According to Chicago Now, "a high pick in the loaded 2017 draft is what the Bulls should be working for and Minnesota can't offer them that." This brings a new contender for Butler who actually can.
The Philadelphia 76ers has the privilege of having an armada of draft picks, rivaling the Celtics. They can have two lottery picks, which could end up in the top 10.
The Sixers still own the LA Lakers' pick which is top 3 protected. Since the Lakers are not actually tanking, they might rise from their slump. The Sixers can also send Jahlil Okafor to his hometown to boot.
Philadelphia 76ers beat reporter Keith Pompey had some comments on the Locked on Sixers podcast regarding this (h/t The Sixers Sense).
"If this is true, the Sixers have to go hard at Jimmy Butler," Pompey said. "I believe they need veteran ball players. I believe if you pair Jimmy Butler with Embiid and also with Ben Simmons, that's a solid core. I think they would have to give up Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor but in addition to that, I think they would have to give up one of next year's draft picks."
Adding Butler to the Sixers team will take them out of laughing stock status-perhaps even catapult them to the playoffs. This is a golden opportunity for them but if the Boston Celtics offer the 2017 Brooklyn Nets pick swap, the Sixers may have to outbid with both the Lakers pick and their own.