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The Chicago Bulls failed to make the NBA playoffs during the 2015-16 season, marking the first time since 2008 that they weren’t able to partake in post-season play. The team’s sharp decline immediately sparked rumors that big men Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah could leave this summer in free agency and also gave way to countless trade rumors.
Blowing Things Up?
With the 2016 NBA Draft just nine days away, though trade rumors are starting to heat up.
The team has long been rumored to be interested in moving star point guard Derrick Rose, and still could aim to do so this summer at some point if the right buyer emerges. There had also been some light talk regarding trading star shooting guard Jimmy Butler, an idea the Bulls have apparently slowly warmed up to. That, too, could come to fruition if the right deal is on the table.
Report: Timberwolves Dangling No. 5 Draft Pick for Jimmy Butler https://t.co/G7cRYBCpo8
— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) June 14, 2016
Per reports, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a deal for Chicago that has them pondering their future: this year’s 5th overall draft choice. Chicago is reportedly listening, but would also like Andrew Wiggins added to the deal.
Fair Trade?
Other pieces could be added to make this deal go down, but as it stands, it’s highly arguable the Bulls come away winning big. Butler is without a doubt one of the best two-way players in the league, as he provides an elite defensive presence and has developed into a strong scorer, as well. Wiggins has displayed strong scoring ability and has even more upside as the younger, more athletic talent. Throw in a 5th overall pick that could turn into a new point guard, and the Bulls could suddenly be looking at a new, rapid rebuild.
This deal would give the Bulls a solid starting shooting guard that should get better every year, perhaps Kris Dunn at the five spot and also allow younger players like Doug McDermott, Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis to grow into bigger roles. The move would likely be an acceptance that Chicago may not compete for a playoff spot in the next 1-2 years, but with the current rendition of the Bulls not making a deep run anytime soon, it may be the best option going forward.
As for Minnesota, they part with a high level asset and a very talented player in Wiggins, but replace him with a more seasoned veteran presence. Not bringing in new talent with the 5th overall pick also makes things less complicated on their roster and can allow team competition to decide the rest of their roster spots.
Eye on the Future
Derrick Rose is the missing link for the Bulls, as he’s owned a ton of money and it may be next to impossible to find a taker.
Bulls reportedly “actively open” to move Derrick Rose, would rather keep Jimmy Butler https://t.co/3427L3YuhN pic.twitter.com/qfjInlDTcJ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 14, 2016
Someone has to first believe he’s worth the money, then buy that he can make a difference and also on top of that, trust he can stay healthy. None of that is a given, which may leave the Bulls stuck in a tough spot. That shouldn’t stop them from making big moves, bringing in fresh blood at the lead guard spot and thinking about the future, however.
For now, the Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler rumors are just talk and it’s tough to say if anything for sure will happen. However, if Minnesota decides they’re willing to part with both their lottery pick and Wiggins, Chicago better pull the trigger immediately. It’s a win-win deal for both sides and both teams would get one step closer toward improving for the future.
