Despite public conflict between the Chicago Bulls and Jimmy Butler, they have asked him to represent the team at this year’s NBA Draft Lottery.
When it comes to the Chicago Bulls this offseason, apparently it is all about Jimmy Butler.
Between stories of his newly inflated ego and the problem it is causing the Bulls, to Gar Forman and John Paxson making it clear that not even the team’s top player is safe from a trade, Butler has been the talk of the town recently.
So far, it is unclear what the star’s future holds. While the organization has supposedly had a change of heart towards the 26-year-old, they still understand what Butler brings to the table. And because of that, they are not willing to deal him away for just anything. The front office knows that despite his recent behavior, when it comes to what Butler can do on the court they have real talent on their hands.
Although both fans and members of the media are on the edge of their seats waiting for a viable trade to come to light, Chicago may be heading in a different direction.
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At least that is what their most recent announcement indicates.
On Tuesday evening, the Bulls announced that Butler would represent them at this year’s NBA Draft Lottery on May 17.
Chicago is taking part in the draft lottery for the first time since 2008, when they landed the top pick and selected Derrick Rose. They had an only 1.7 percent chance to draw first, which seems like great odds compared to this year’s 0.5 percent.
The Bulls, who finished 42-40 under newly appointed head coach Fred Hoiberg are 14th in terms of non-playoff teams with the best records. This gives them an 1.8 percent shot at a top three pick.
Currently, Butler is in Los Angeles working out, and going on dates with actress Shay Mitchell. However, he will soon fly to New York to get the lottery ball rolling.
Does this mean that Gar/Pax are reconsidering letting Butler go?
Well, maybe.
One could say that such a move indicates that the organization is trying to make peace with Butler in order to move forward together, or maybe even to rebuild the team around him. But as Chicago fans know, nothing is ever really as it seems with this franchise.
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There are clearly problems between Butler and the Bulls, but perhaps asking him to represent the team during such an important event, is the first step to a resolution.