Jimmy Butler is a legitimate superstar, and there’s no doubt about it: he averaged 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per game on efficient 45.5/36.7/86.5 shooting splits in 2016-17; furthermore, he still has two more guaranteed years remaining on his contract. But for some reason or another, the Bulls have (at the very least) entertained trade inquiries and rumors from numerous teams -- Celtics, Suns, Timberwolves, Lakers, Cavaliers -- regarding the wing stud. And yes, of course, the possibility of Butler joining the Cavs to make an eight-superstar NBA Finals next season is exciting and fascinating to consider, as is the Marquette product joining forces in Boston to potentially dethrone LeBron in the East. But far too many people are so caught up in their own excitement about the infinite possibilities and the sway that a superstar’s sway poses that they forget that every trade requires two (at least) teams to ultimately pull the trigger. Tell me, Boston: why should Chicago accept a few random first-rounders over the next couple years for Butler? Tell me, Cleveland: why should Chicago take J.R Smith and a few bench players and second that you can string together for the 27-year-old superstar? Can you really look me in the eye and tell me that this trade genuinely benefits the Bulls?
Of course not. Why exactly is Chicago management (allegedly) in such a rush to feed into this Butler-frenzy anyways? Do they really think that Bobby Portis and Cameron Payne will be MJ-Pippen reincarnated once the team hits the reset button with a Butler deal? Or is it Michael Carter-Williams who is supposed to carry the “next generation” into the limelight?
Please. Far more likely than not, as much as GM Gar Forman and co have tried to restock the youngster corps, there’s not one prospect on this Bulls team that will ever be as good as Jimmy Butler is right now. And with Dwyane Wade still having at least one more good year in him, as well as several other talented pieces up and down this roster, why not make a run at a Paul Millsap in free agency this offseason and see if you can put together a playoff run? Even the current injury-ravaged roster nearly knocked off the #1 seeded Celtics in the postseason, so why not just try to win now? Since when was that such a radical idea anyways?
Chicago doesn’t have to keep Butler. They could just fall apart this upcoming season anyways -- especially if they fail to land a marquee free agent -- if they do so. But all I’m saying is to relax a little on the trade frenzy and start looking at the situation realistically: there’s no way that the Bulls should part ways with a superstar if they are not at least getting a future superstar in return, especially given the fact that Butler has finally made up his mind and is now committed to staying in the Windy City past the (already!) two guaranteed seasons remaining on his deal. You have all the leverage here, Mr. Forman. Wait for an offer that you can’t refuse, or else don't accept any at all, because you can demand one.
Chicago doesn’t have to keep Butler. They could just fall apart this upcoming season anyways -- especially if they fail to land a marquee free agent -- if they do so. But all I’m saying is to relax a little on the trade frenzy and start looking at the situation realistically: there’s no way that the Bulls should part ways with a superstar if they are not at least getting a future superstar in return, especially given the fact that Butler has finally made up his mind and is now committed to staying in the Windy City past the (already!) two guaranteed seasons remaining on his deal. You have all the leverage here, Mr. Forman. Wait for an offer that you can’t refuse, or else don't accept any at all, because you can demand one.
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