Jimmy Butler speaks to Chicago fans prior to the USA-Venezuela exhibition game at the United Center. (Photo : Getty Images / Gary Dineen)
The NBA trade rumors highlight the Oklahoma City Thunder's transition from prey to predator.
Merely a month ago, the trade rumors were all about Russell Westbrook being traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to teams like the Boston Celtics, LA Lakers and even the Milwaukee Bucks. However, all that changed when Westbrook surprisingly signed an extension offer keeping him in OKC for at least the next two seasons.
Now, it's the Thunder searching for trades that would give legitimate NBA candidate and certified top 5 player Russell Westbrook a superstar partner according to the team's Fansided blog Thunderous Intentions.
"Jimmy Butler would be a solid fit for Oklahoma City, who is in need of an athletic small forward. Butler has been linked in trade rumors throughout the offseason, and the Thunder have the assets," Tony Heim of TI wrote.
There could be some issues with Butler and Westbrook because both are ball-dominant. There were rumors about Rose and Butler not getting along but it's clear with these two stars that they would be more competitive with each other.
Despite what some rumors insinuate, Butler is a professional and in an interview with Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, he shared his insights on trade rumors that have incessantly hounded him.
"I'm a big boy. I don't need you to tell me, 'No, you're not going to be traded.' I know it's a business and if it happens it happens, but I'm here," Butler declared.
"I don't pay attention to it. I was in the gym working out during the draft. My phone was blowing up, but what can I do? I can go in the office and be like, 'Hey please don't trade me?' If they were going to do that, that's on them not me."
If the Thunder wants Butler, the team needs to send out Victor Oladipo and possibly one of Steven Adams or Enes Kanter. The Thunder recently signed Semaj Christon, a point guard from their D-League team and the 55th overall pick in the 2014 Draft. This move is seen as a possible preparation if and when Oladipo is included in a trade.
