Jimmy Butler will remain a Chicago Bull at least for the next three years. The team has opted to take the rising swingman off the trade table, making the Bulls a team to contend with next season after all.
Reports of the Chicago Bulls keeping Butler come from ESPN, dousing earlier talk that the 26-year-old player was being offered to several teams. Among the teams reportedly interested include the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Boston Celtics.
Chicago Bulls asked too much for Butler
Seeing how Butler has risen from the ranks, the Bulls wanted something hefty in exchange. Though the numbers weren’t disclosed, the teams allegedly found the asking price way too steep. General manager Gar Forman denied the claims, The Score reported.
Butler, Wade and Rondo on the same team?
With Butler staying, the Chicago Bulls are looking good next season. They stand to bring in one of the best guards next season, not to mention a lot of offensive options.
The issue of chemistry will be in questions but the Bulls may want to address their lean forward line. Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah have left, leaving a big hole up front for head coach Fred Hoiberg.
The Bulls do have Nikola Mirotic and Cristiano Felicio as options so conditioning these players to stand their ground and contribute will ultimately be left to the hands of Hoiberg.
Focus on Rondo and Wade
The Bulls want to rebound in a hurry and pulling off deals with Rondo and Wade look promising. But will the duo improve on the Bulls chances?
Both are seen as short-term solutions with fates likely changing in two years as the Chicago Tribune points out. Their stock is undeniable but for the Bulls, the coming season may define what happens moving forward.
Wade will shine, same with Rondo and his playmaking abilities. How Butler can fit in is a question seeing his past issues of wanting the spheroid with the ball (remember Derrick Rose?).
The Bulls are packed in the back court. To answer the question on whether this would be enough next season is anyone’s guess.
As far as Rajon Rondo is concerned, the Chicago Bulls are still Jimmy Butler's team. Check out the video below.