Jimmy Butler Trade - Why and Ideas

[sco]

Well seeing Golden State running the league probably means no team will give up the farm for Jimmy. Any team who is in win now mode even with Jimmy, isn't really in win now mode. After the Warriors sweep this series and the entire playoffs, 29 teams will be rebuilding.

Ability to compete or not, tanking for most FO's, is a career-limiting move. So I think there will be plenty of interest - I think they key is whether anyone will pay with a young, high-potential player AND a good pick.

I read that Lakers are less interested in Ball. 2nd Pick plus Russell for JB?

[Patsfan1081]

I wouldn't be so down on 2018 pick if it is BKN one, because that draft class is even better, at least at the very top, than this one.

Besides, since it is a year removed, we could get some additional assets to go with pick - and Celts fan will help me here - I think at least two out of J. Brown, 2019 MEM pick and Rozier could be included. Depending on what comes back, we could than try to move up in this draft, if anyone interesting falls to reachable range.

Use next season to assess and develop our youngster and have quite possibly two top4 picks in top three draft (Porter, Ayton, Doncic), with Bamba being fourth prospect with high ceiling.

I wouldn't mind this kind of scenario at all.

I think it's hard for the Bulls and Celtics to both find common ground, and to prioritize each other as the best possible trade partners when both have so many other options... ...including for the Bulls, just not trading Butler at all.

A lot has to fall into place for something like this to happen. You never know though.

That is true. I think likelihood of Butler trade increases greatly if Boston is able to land one FA superstar (Hayward, Griffin, both make sense).
But even if they don't, I think 2018 BKN pick might be common ground where Bulls and Celtics might find some solution, since Boston goes all in now, while keeping some of the future in Futlz and Brown or Memphis pick, depending which one goes to Bulls in trade.

Matter of fact, I don't see teams jumping after Butler - those who have assets like 76-er, Lakers or Suns (not counting Kings, they just traded Cousins) don't really have incentive. 76-ers might be the most likely one, but I think injury (Embiid, Simmons) uncertainty makes them wait for another season.

So, deal around 2018 BKN pick might actually be our most likely way of getting rebuilding package for Butler, and quite possibly the best. (I'd put a hypothetical, 76-er offering a deal around 2017 #3 and 2018 LAL pick, as one I'd rather do if there, but I think Celtics would be more likely to offer deal in this context)

That's why the next trade deadline could still be ideal for a Butler trade. People will have a better ideas where the Nets pick would land, we'd have some sort of better view of the draft class, and Butler would still see two playoff runs befor his contract was up. I also don't see George going to L.A. without another star there already or on the way at the same time, so I wouldn't count them out.

[realEAST]

I think it's hard for the Bulls and Celtics to both find common ground, and to prioritize each other as the best possible trade partners when both have so many other options... ...including for the Bulls, just not trading Butler at all.

A lot has to fall into place for something like this to happen. You never know though.

That is true. I think likelihood of Butler trade increases greatly if Boston is able to land one FA superstar (Hayward, Griffin, both make sense).
But even if they don't, I think 2018 BKN pick might be common ground where Bulls and Celtics might find some solution, since Boston goes all in now, while keeping some of the future in Futlz and Brown or Memphis pick, depending which one goes to Bulls in trade.

Matter of fact, I don't see teams jumping after Butler - those who have assets like 76-er, Lakers or Suns (not counting Kings, they just traded Cousins) don't really have incentive. 76-ers might be the most likely one, but I think injury (Embiid, Simmons) uncertainty makes them wait for another season.

So, deal around 2018 BKN pick might actually be our most likely way of getting rebuilding package for Butler, and quite possibly the best. (I'd put a hypothetical, 76-er offering a deal around 2017 #3 and 2018 LAL pick, as one I'd rather do if there, but I think Celtics would be more likely to offer deal in this context)

That's why the next trade deadline could still be ideal for a Butler trade. People will have a better ideas where the Nets pick would land, we'd have some sort of better view of the draft class, and Butler would still see two playoff runs befor his contract was up. I also don't see George going to L.A. without another star there already or on the way at the same time, so I wouldn't count them out.

Not so sure, since Celtics weren't too eager to include unprotected pick this year, doubt they'd do it next one when Jimmy has one year less on contract and draft class in better at the top.

[JordansBulls]

Jimmy Butler for Russell Westbrook.

[dougthonus]

Jimmy Butler -> Cleveland
Two of Channing Frye, Iman Shumpert, and J.R. Smith -> Chicago just to match salary
unprotected 2020 1st, unprotected 2022 1st, unprotected 2024 1st

Give LeBron the firepower he needs (theoretically) to beat the Warriors by giving up assets long in the future. From the Bulls perspective, this trade just makes them tank and gives them nothing of value in the short term, but what it does do is allow them to get a base of talent and then hope that by the time that base is starting to kick in and hit the 40 win mark that they then get a couple really good draft picks in the future to infuse an already talented team with more talent.

Could maybe adjust it slightly to get some pick swap rights in odd years or something else as well.

[NADROJ]

Jimmy Butler -> Cleveland
Two of Channing Frye, Iman Shumpert, and J.R. Smith -> Chicago just to match salary
unprotected 2020 1st, unprotected 2022 1st, unprotected 2024 1st

Give LeBron the firepower he needs (theoretically) to beat the Warriors by giving up assets long in the future. From the Bulls perspective, this trade just makes them tank and gives them nothing of value in the short term, but what it does do is allow them to get a base of talent and then hope that by the time that base is starting to kick in and hit the 40 win mark that they then get a couple really good draft picks in the future to infuse an already talented team with more talent.

Could maybe adjust it slightly to get some pick swap rights in odd years or something else as well.

I have no problem with a package built around future picks. As far as the package above, the 5 year window of unprotected 1st's provide a lot of coverage and potential relative to LeBron's inevitable departure.

However, I'd be floored if the Bulls did this, let alone considered it.

Something centered around the 2018 Brooklyn pick makes sense to me as well but, again, I can't see this FO pulling the trigger.

[gardenofsound]

Jimmy Butler -> Cleveland
Two of Channing Frye, Iman Shumpert, and J.R. Smith -> Chicago just to match salary
unprotected 2020 1st, unprotected 2022 1st, unprotected 2024 1st

Give LeBron the firepower he needs (theoretically) to beat the Warriors by giving up assets long in the future. From the Bulls perspective, this trade just makes them tank and gives them nothing of value in the short term, but what it does do is allow them to get a base of talent and then hope that by the time that base is starting to kick in and hit the 40 win mark that they then get a couple really good draft picks in the future to infuse an already talented team with more talent.

Could maybe adjust it slightly to get some pick swap rights in odd years or something else as well.

I absolutely love this idea.

[FecesOfDeath]

Jimmy Butler -> Cleveland
Two of Channing Frye, Iman Shumpert, and J.R. Smith -> Chicago just to match salary
unprotected 2020 1st, unprotected 2022 1st, unprotected 2024 1st

Give LeBron the firepower he needs (theoretically) to beat the Warriors by giving up assets long in the future. From the Bulls perspective, this trade just makes them tank and gives them nothing of value in the short term, but what it does do is allow them to get a base of talent and then hope that by the time that base is starting to kick in and hit the 40 win mark that they then get a couple really good draft picks in the future to infuse an already talented team with more talent.

Could maybe adjust it slightly to get some pick swap rights in odd years or something else as well.

I think I would consider a three-way trade with the main pieces being, Jimmy to the Cavs, Kevin Love to the Lakers, and the #2 pick to the Bulls. Obvious salary match and filler pieces in the trade, too, which would probably include albatrosses like Luol and Mozgov.

[dougthonus]

I think I would consider a three-way trade with the main pieces being, Jimmy to the Cavs, Kevin Love to the Lakers, and the #2 pick to the Bulls. Obvious salary match and filler pieces in the trade, too, which would probably include albatrosses like Luol and Mozgov.

The Lakers aren't giving up the #2 pick for Love. If they were giving up the pick then they'd just take Jimmy (which I also don't think they'll do).

[Lauri_Legend]

Plot twist. Forget the Celtics, Lakers trade us the #2 and fillers for Jimmy Butler. They don't own their pick next year and I'm sure they don't want to give Philly a top 3 pick.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been both taking and making calls about the No. 2 overall pick. The Lakers have had scenarios presented to them by rival teams and have also offered their own.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/246274/Lakers-Discussing-Trading-Out-Of-No-2-Slot-In-Draft

[kodo]

What available player would actually be better than Jimmy Butler for the #2 pick? I honestly can't think of any.

With PG heavily rumored to go there, a PG + Butler combo could legitimately make some noise and complement each other.

As LA management, there's no way I'd take some of these other available stars like Melo or Love or Rudy Gay over Butler.

[Lauri_Legend]

What available player would actually be better than Jimmy Butler for the #2 pick? I honestly can't think of any.

With PG heavily rumored to go there, a PG + Butler combo could legitimately make some noise and complement each other.

As LA management, there's no way I'd take some of these other available stars like Melo or Love over Butler.

It's not about being good now, it's about being good 5 years from now when the Warriors and Cavs decline. Building for tomorrow to get swept in the second round, you keep Jimmy. Building for a team 5 years from now, I'm sure there will be a lot of players better than a 32-33 years old Jimmy Butler who's main game is to create contact..which won't be easy at that point in his career

[sh0ck]

Just for reference -

Since 1999, the Bulls have selected or traded for 13 lottery picks. 8 of them were within the top 5.

Elton Brand
Marcus Fizer
Eddy Curry
Tyson Chandler
Jay Williams
Ben Gordon
Tyrus Thomas
Derrick Rose

I think it's pretty clear that Jimmy has been better than any of the guys the Bulls have drafted in the top 5 (although you could make an argument for Derrick).

Which is why I don't get why everyone salivates over these high draft picks. Development matters more than draft positioning IMO.

[DuckIII]

Jimmy Butler for Russell Westbrook.

Who says no?

Oh yeah, that's right, the Thunder.

[League Circles]

What available player would actually be better than Jimmy Butler for the #2 pick? I honestly can't think of any.

With PG heavily rumored to go there, a PG + Butler combo could legitimately make some noise and complement each other.

As LA management, there's no way I'd take some of these other available stars like Melo or Love over Butler.

It's not about being good now, it's about being good 5 years from now when the Warriors and Cavs decline. Building for tomorrow to get swept in the second round, you keep Jimmy. Building for a team 5 years from now, I'm sure there will be a lot of players better than a 32-33 years old Jimmy Butler who's main game is to create contact..which won't be easy at that point in his career

Personally I don't think the Warriors will be dominant that long. Both because I think KD and especially Steph are injury prone, and because they probably won't be able to keep everyone.

But other teams will emerge. Imagine teams trying to wait out Magic and Bird...... to face Michael. Then wait out Michael..... to face Shaq and Kobe, etc.

There will always be a dominant talent team, and the odds are that it won't be the Bulls for another century or so, as we pretty recently were that team with MJ.

Also I think Butler is likely to be better at 32-33 than whoever we trade him for now. As for the thought that sure he may be pretty good still but not good enough to build a contender around, well, he's not good enough to build a traditional contender around now. Traditional contenders are led by top 2, maybe top 4 players. He's not close to that. But he can probably be an above average starter through his next deal, and an above average starter is very valuable to win games IMO.

[gardenofsound]

Just for reference -

Since 1999, the Bulls have selected or traded for 13 lottery picks. 8 of them were within the top 5.

Elton Brand
Marcus Fizer
Eddy Curry
Tyson Chandler
Jay Williams
Ben Gordon
Tyrus Thomas
Derrick Rose

I think it's pretty clear that Jimmy has been better than any of the guys the Bulls have drafted in the top 5 (although you could make an argument for Derrick).

Which is why I don't get why everyone salivates over these high draft picks. Development matters more than draft positioning IMO.

I agree that Butler is the best of that group, but I also see the value of draft picks as trade assets. Draft picks enabled Cleveland to acquire Kevin Love AND enticed Lebron James back to Cleveland. Draft picks built Golden State. Picks built San Antonio (though they were abnormally good with Parker, Ginobili, Leonard, etc and the draft positions they took).

I'd also say that, at their peaks, Noah and Rose were both better than Butler is now. The only thing that stopped them was injury, which is something you just cannot plan for. Jimmy Butler could tear his Achilles tendon in the 82nd game of this coming season.

[JordansBulls]

Just for reference -

Since 1999, the Bulls have selected or traded for 13 lottery picks. 8 of them were within the top 5.

Elton Brand
Marcus Fizer
Eddy Curry
Tyson Chandler
Jay Williams
Ben Gordon
Tyrus Thomas
Derrick Rose

I think it's pretty clear that Jimmy has been better than any of the guys the Bulls have drafted in the top 5 (although you could make an argument for Derrick).

Which is why I don't get why everyone salivates over these high draft picks. Development matters more than draft positioning IMO.

Agreed on Rose was better and that for a short time. The Orlando Magic had Shaq, Penny, Tmac, Dwight and they still dont have any titles. So even with elite players you may not win when you have them.

[Lauri_Legend]

I basically had a dream about this one...since Lakers are interested in trading the #2 and Cavs want to make immediate improvements

Bulls receive: #2 pick, Luol Deng (or a filler)
Cavs receive: Jimmy Butler
Lakers receive: Kevin Love, Iman Shumpert


We get our rebuild, Cavs get a player better suited to compete against the Warriors, Lakers get a Cali kid who makes them immediately better and hopefully helps pull them out of the lottery or put them in a better position since they owe the 2018 pick to Philly

[rowseyna]

Bulls get: Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Pekovic, swap 2017 1st (#7 overall)
Wolves get: Jimmy Butler, 2017 #16

Rondo/Grant/Payne
Wiggins/Valentine/Canaan
Tatum/Zipser/Ojeleye
Mirotic/Portis/Lauvergne
Lopez/Felicio/Pekovic

[rowseyna]

Bulls get: Kenneth Faried, Emmanuel Mudiay, Gary Harris, 2017 #13 pick
Nuggets get: Jimmy Butler, Bobby Portis

Rondo/Mudiay/Payne
Harris/Grant/Canaan
Zipser/Valentine/Ojeleye
Faried/Leaf/Lauvergne
Lopez/Felicio/John Collins