Over the past several months and in recent days, Jimmy Butler NBA trade rumors have hit the basketball world. The Chicago Bulls All-Star could become a member of the Boston Celtics or Cleveland Cavaliers if either of the two teams is able to entice Chicago with a deal. Reports continue to suggest the Cavs are pursuing Butler to upgrade their roster, although there are also talks of bringing Paul George from the Pacers over. That leaves Bulls fans to wonder what will become of their team if Butler is traded. Will Dwyane Wade stay on the Chicago Bulls or head elsewhere?
Latest Wade rumors
A report from ESPN's Ramona Shelburne indicates that Dwyane Wade is "leaning towards" picking up his $24 million player option with the Bulls. However, it's also noted that Wade is paying attention to the situation with Jimmy Butler. If a trade happens ahead of June 27th, that could sway Wade in another direction.
When Dwyane Wade opts out after Jimmy Butler is traded pic.twitter.com/SsHh11bzQ8
— NotARoleModel 🥀 (@NotARoleModeI) June 19, 2017
Still, it's being said that Wade enjoys being in his hometown area of Chicago to play with the Bulls. In addition, the salary he'll pick up from the Bulls is higher than he would get at other teams. Wade took a reduced salary back when he was on the Miami Heat when the team added LeBron James and Chris Bosh to the roster in order to win titles.
Chicago rebuild?
If Wade sticks around it could indicate he is getting closer to a possible retirement decision. A Jimmy Butler trade would pretty much show the team is trying to rebuild for the future. Trade rumors involving the Cavaliers have involved Kevin Love, but also a third team which could offer draft picks, something the Bulls would probably want more at this point.
The Chicago Bulls reached the playoffs this past season as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, after winning a tiebreaker situation with the Miami Heat. From there, they took on the No. 1 team, the Boston Celtics, and shocked many sports fans by winning the first few games of the series in Boston. An injury to guard Rajon Rondo ultimately put Wade and Butler at a disadvantage in the series as the Celtics eliminated them.
For the past season, Dwyane Wade averaged 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in about 30 minutes of time on the court each game. He'll be entering his 15th season for the 2017-18 NBA campaign at age 35, so if Butler's traded, it could mean Wade becomes the mentor for some new young stars in the league that the Bulls get in the draft.
Chicago Bulls fans, if Jimmy Butler is traded, do you believe that D-Wade sticks around in the Windy City or goes elsewhere?