The Boston Celtics could be on the run for Jimmy Butler, with the team having plenty of tradable assets the Chicago Bulls may want in a potential deal for the All-Star forward.
K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported that some rival executives believe the Bulls and Celtics will revisit discussions for a Butler trade prior to the February 23 deadline. The report suggested that the Celtics still own the same assets that would entice the Bulls to give up Butler, who could be the missing piece to Boston's championship aspirations.
"There are rival executives who believe the Bulls and Celtics will rekindle trade talks centered on Jimmy Butler before the Feb. 23 deadline. The teams held serious talks in June, and the Celtics own the same assets - Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart, the Nets' first-round picks in 2017 and 2018 - the teams discussed then," Johnson wrote.
Boston has everything the Bulls may want in a deal, and while both teams have yet to make serious discussions about such move, recent reports about Butler's mistrust of the Bulls front office may be an indicator for the Celtics to finally cash in for the 27-year-old forward.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Butler and other players believe the front office has been "spying" on them in the locker room, reportedly giving the team's brass something to use when the breakup comes whether it be via trade or free agency.
"The belief is that the Bulls love to gather as much ammunition as they can on players, so they can win the news conference when the breakup comes, whether it's a trade or free agency," Cowley wrote.
Adding Butler would likely cost the Celtics two or three key players and their picks, but it is a deal worth exploring if Boston really wants to contend for a title this season. However, Jesse Blancarte of Basketball Insiders believes the Celtics may just opt for a "minimal upgrades" and hold on to their trade assets.
"With Isaiah Thomas playing at superstar levels and the rest of the team playing within their respective roles, Ainge may opt to make marginal upgrades while holding onto his major assets for after the season," Blancarte noted.
It remains to be seen whether the Bulls would really make Butler available on the market. But if Chicago continues to slip from the playoff picture, expect the team to field offers for Butler.
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