The Chicago Bulls have played hardball with the Celtics over Jimmy Butler for almost three years now. The Celtics continuously looking to steal the always undervalued All-Star, by both his own front office and casual NBA fans from all around. Ainge is not quite so foolish nor blind. He knows exactly the character and star power he has been after persistently. Butler has improved year after year and still has no ceiling in sight. As a fan of Butlers since his arrival, he has easily become my favorite player for both the way he carries himself off the court and also for playing with his heart on both ends of the floor 40 minutes per game. (numbers approximate)
Boston is coming off from a season where they held the number 1 seed in the East (Cleveland's lack of care) and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals where they managed to avoid the broom against King James and his "not a Super team" Cavaliers. Despite being without the courageous Isiah Thomas, they did what Boston does best. Grit. They hung around and stole a victory for their pride. That is where the fit factor of Butler to Boston comes in (grit/heart). Maybe not as much as his endless potential due to work ethic, or his two year contract under 20 million per year. He fits the teams heart aspect that drives the Boston culture.
Now why would the Bulls trade the home grown 30th pick from the 2011 draft that has blossomed in front of our eyes? The Bulls are staring another 50/50 low playoff seed right in the face. Hoping for "playoff Wade" to be a real thing again, will leave all of Chicago waiting forever. Finishing in the playoffs may get the Bulls front office their playoff revenue but it leaves the team outside of making better free additions (NBA Lottery). Trading Butler to a team/city that is hungry and unafraid of the Cavs, and they just so happen to have seven first round picks in the next three years. After acquiring an extra first round pick from the 76ers in a deal for the #1 2017 pick.
Garpax may have played their kings ransom game just long enough if they can just come down to Earth for a few days and be reasonable. Don't get me wrong, the Bulls do have the leverage in the negotiations. BUT to hold onto Butler past this season would mean much less in return for a forced trade next year. Or even worse nothing in two years. When Jimmy will surely be eligible for a super max contract only the Bulls could offer, worth 70+ million more than any other team could (over the full contract). As much as I love Mr. Buckets I do have concerns about his longevity due to his relentless hustle. Jimmy being the gym rat he is may very well prove me wrong in that assumption. But I don't see the Bulls giving Butler more than a general max offer, although the "supermax" is fully deserved. Getting a 20 year old prospect who was the #3 overall pick last year in Jaylen Brown to assume Jimmy's spot and the #3 pick this year to target a franchise future changing point guard like De'Aaron Fox has to be the main goal. Getting 2 or 3 more first rounds of any kind would be extra icing but also very likely if the Bulls don't get too greedy. Although I feel strongly about Fox, as some have compared him to John Wall bc of his speed. I feel he will surpass a Wall like guard due to his high IQ and defensive prowess. Making this move would give the Bulls their own first round picks and one or more extra in the next two years after this current draft. Stock piling young, athletic and coachable players needs to be the focus coming into the third year of our still college level coach Fred Hoiberg's NBA coaching career. It will break my heart to see Butler moved but it'll be swiftly mended if the Bulls acquire Fox with the #3 pick. A rebuild sounds dreadful and scary considering who is in charge but a move this year is beyond necessary to avoid NBA hell (mediocrity).
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