Even though he has three more years left on his contract with the Chicago Bulls, Jimmy Butler turned into one of the top trade targets this offseason. During the regular season, there weren't many indications or rumors surrounded Butler and a potential trade that he could be included in. However, during the offseason, his name has been included in numerous trade rumors and three teams have shown interest in him.
Jimmy Butler has, however, decided to stay with the Chicago Bulls. While he might not stay in Chicago for the entire duration of his contract, it is very unlikely that he will be traded next season.
Butler has been the best player on the Bulls for a few years, but the team hasn't had much success and they've dealt with many problems lately.
Jimmy Butler will not be traded to Cleveland
Cleveland Cavaliers have expressed their interest in the Chicago Bulls swingman and at one point, it seemed they could actually get the deal done. Per reports, the Cavaliers wanted to send Kevin Love to the Phoenix Suns, while the Suns would send their young players to the Bulls. At the end, Jimmy Butler would be traded to the Cavaliers as Cleveland would basically swap Love for Butler.
Per source, Jimmy Butler has informed Cavs that he wants to stay in Chicago rather than be traded to Cleveland.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) June 21, 2017
While the trade with the Suns and the Bulls seems interesting and would benefit all three teams, it won't happen.
Jimmy Butler has informed the Cavaliers that he will stay in Chicago instead of being traded to Cleveland. The Cavaliers will now look to trade for another superstar and Paul George seems to still be on their radar.
Did Dwyane Wade affect Jimmy Butler?
Yesterday, Dwyane Wade decided to exercise his player option and stay with the Chicago Bulls for one more year.
Shortly after, Jimmy Butler informed the Cavaliers that he will not get traded. As it seems, Wade's decision affected Butler, and this duo will spend another year in the Windy City.
It seems that Jimmy Butler wanted to be traded to another team in case that Dwyane Wade decides to opt out of his contract. Cleveland Cavaliers were the best option for Butler as they are the best team in the East and Butler could reach his first NBA Finals and possibly win a championship there.
Even though he will stay in Chicago for another year, we could see him leave the team next season. Wade's contract expires next summer and it is very unlikely that he will return to the Bulls. If Wade does leave, we could see Butler follow his footsteps by going somewhere else.
UPDATE: Cavaliers don't want Butler
Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Cavaliers players told Jimmy to not join the team. Apparently, the players are worried about team's future as it seems that things are falling apart after David Griffin left the team.
