The Chicago Bulls have finally decided to push the rebuild button by trading three-time All-Star Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Zach Lavine, Kris Dunn and the no.7 pick of the 2017 NBA Draft. Butler has been the Bulls’ best player the past three seasons, including last year when Dwyane Wade made his return to the Windy City. Now that Jimmy Butler is already in the Twin City, it’s now clear who’s going to be the star of the Bulls’ youth movement.

Building around Zach Lavine

According to Shams Charania of the Vertical at Yahoo Sports, the Bulls will likely build around its roster on Lavine, who averaged 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists before suffering a torn ACL in his left knee.

Charania believes the 22-year old Lavine can become the clear-cut leader of the Bulls’ franchise if he is able to bounce back from that major injury.

Another player who will benefit from Butler’s departure is incoming second-year swingman Denzel Valentine. The former Michigan Spartans had multiple stints in the D-League last season, but showed flashes of potential when given enough playing time.

It’s still uncertain how the Bulls will fix that logjam at the point guard spot with Jeriah Grant, Isaiah Canaan, Michael Carter-Williams, Cameron Payne , Rajon Rondo and Dunn occupying the same positions.

Lavine can also play at the point, though it’s clear the Bulls want to exploit his talent as a dynamic swingman.

Dwyane Wade buyout

After deciding to opt in on the second year of his deal with the Bulls worth $24 million, the 35-year old Wade is reportedly asking the Bulls’ front-office for a buyout following the trade that sent Butler to the Wolves.

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Wade isn’t happy with the Bulls after they decided to part ways with their best player after he opted in. The All-Star shooting guard initially thought he’s going to have another run with Butler but everything changed in an instant with one fell swing.

Although the Bulls management wants to optimize Wade’s trade value as much as possible, a buyout remains imminent.

Should the Bulls grant Wade his buyout request, the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers emerge as the top contenders to get his service.

Rajon Rondo's release

Another player who will be heavily affected by the Butler trade is Rondo. The veteran playmaker signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Bulls last summer, but the second year of the deal is partially guaranteed. The Bulls can create $8 million room in their cap space by not exercising their team option on Rondo’s contract.

It was an up-and-down 2016-17 season for Rondo, who managed to re-energize his career after putting strong output towards the homestretch mark of the season and in two postseason games vs. the Boston Celtics in the first round.

Rondo was reportedly promised by Gar Forman and John Paxson that his second year of his deal will be picked up. However, it’s now uncertain the GarPax will still retain his service after starting a full-blown rebuild.
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