Jimmy Butler will no longer be on the Chicago Bulls as they decided to trade him on the draft night. The Bulls traded their best player to the Minnesota Timberwolves, which is a big shock for the Bulls fans. Not only was Butler the best player on the team, but the Bulls did not receive much in return. This move most likely indicates that the Bulls will start rebuilding process.
Just yesterday, Butler informed the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were interested in trading for him, that he will stay in Chicago instead of being traded. However, less than 24 hours later, the swingman changed his mind and was put on the trade block.
Now, the Bulls' best player will be Dwyane Wade and we could expect from the team to tank next season.
Jimmy Butler to Minnesota
Shortly after the 2017 NBA draft started, the Timberwolves and the Bulls made this blockbuster trade. The Timberwolves got Jimmy Butler while Chicago received Zach LaVine, Chris Dunn and the fourth pick in the draft. Beside Butler, the Chicago Bulls sent their 16th overall pick to Minnesota.
Correction: Bulls did not keep 16th pick. So deal is Jimmy Butler and No. 16 for LaVine, Dunn and 7.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 22, 2017
Minnesota Timberwolves will now have a young and amazing core of players. Jimmy Butler will join Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves could become a playoff team next season.
There is no doubt that Butler will improve the team as he is a fantastic two-way player.
On the other side, things won't look pretty for the Chicago Bulls. Not only did they lose their best player, but even with him, they barely made the playoffs last season. Dwyane Wade, who is in the twilight of his career, will turn 36 next season and will be paid nearly $24 million.
It is questionable if the Bulls can remain a playoff team, and it won't be a surprise if they tank in order to get a good draft pick next year.
Butler in Chicago
Before he was traded to the Timberwolves, Jimmy Butler spent six years in Chicago. He was drafted by the Bulls in 2011 and was named NBA's most improved player in 2015.
Last season, Butler averaged career-high 23.9 points, along with 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
Butler was a three-time All-Star in Chicago and he was also one of the best defensive players in the league. He worked on his offensive game and turned into a lethal offensive weapon for the Bulls, while he also kept locking down opponents on the other side of the floor.
While this is a huge loss for the Bulls, Jimmy Butler just made the Timberwolves one of the most dangerous things in the league. Next season should be fun, and Minnesota could make some noise in the West.
