Jimmy Butler (Photo : REUTERS)
The trade rumors still center on Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves' intention to acquire him.
It's a great human interest story of reuniting the protégé with his mentor, but will it actually happen?
The Bulls have reportedly put their foot down and have declared that they won't trade Butler to the T-Wolves unless they get Andrew Wiggins in return, as reported by Darren Wolfson's tweet.
"Good work from Marc. Word is Bulls won't do if AW not involved. If wanted to move JB, bet Bos. would give up No. 3."
There is some speculation that the Bulls and Thibodeau did not have an amiable separation which is the reason why they're asking for Wiggins, but these have been debunked. The Bulls are simply negotiating-trying to take the best haul for their All-Star player.
The Chicago front office knows that they always have the Boston Celtics as a trade chip-as they have been for the better part of a whole year now, and Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders illustrated the point by comparing possible offers from both Minnesota and the Boston Celtics.
The package of Andrew Wiggins and the 5th overall pick is still the gold standard-the one that will really seal the deal, but no way Minnesota will do it-even if the Bulls throw in the 14th overall pick.
But Kyler is not closing the door as he said it's "not a completely unreasonable ask." Basically, it's Wiggins and probably Kris Dunn-a player that the Bulls allegedly covets. The only difference would be the age factor and Butler's toughness and defense (three-time all-Defensive team) which could make Minnesota instant playoff shoo-ins for the West. Thibodeau would really like that.
The alternative-Ricky Rubio, Gorgui Dieng and the 5th pick. This fills a lot of holes for Chicago but they no longer have a superstar (Rose isn't anymore) or even anyone with potential to be a superstar except for the 5th pick-and that's pretty far from the potential of the top 2.
In contrast, the Timberwolves will have a "Big Three" of their own. Butler leading a team, even at small forward along with Wiggins and Towns, two players who could be the best at their positions is scary to say the least. Butler is already one of the best defensive players and Wiggins has the potential to be one. They're also coached by the best defensive coach in the league.
That's too big a favor for Thibs, and they must consider that the Celtics have different combinations and a higher pick at no.3.
A package of Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder and the 3rd pick will could also seal the deal and the Celts can throw in frontline options like Kelly Olynyk. There is a rumor that Crowder might be untouchable (but hard to imagine the Bulls not demanding him), the Celts can throw the 16th pick and Jonas Jerebko, Terry Rozier.
The Celtics are simply built for trades but they remain a fallback option if their targeted superstar can't get a fellow superstar in return. Just like this situation-Boston is only in play if they can't get Wiggins and Chicago might just hold on to Butler for the time being.
