Chicago Bulls: No Easy Options As Trade Deadline Approaches
Trade Jimmy Butler And Start From Scratch
Based on the moves they made during the offseason, the Bulls front office is not in favor of a complete rebuild at this point. And to be perfectly honest, I can’t say I blame them.
When a team goes this route, it can be risky because it usually takes a few years to build a roster that is capable of competing for a playoff spot on a yearly basis. Even though this dates back nearly 20 years, it is worth noting that the last time the Bulls were forced into a rebuild phase following the 1997-98 season, they endured a painful, six-year absence from the postseason.
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During that stretch, the Bulls compiled a woeful record of 119-341, which equates to a dismal winning percentage of .259. Being that the front office does care about keeping the seats occupied at the United Center, it is safe to say they will think twice before going that route again.
If the Bulls were to exercise this option, however, the only player they could net a sizable return for is Butler. The caveat with that plan is that the players they get in return may not be as good as Butler has been over the past three seasons.
Additionally, if the Bulls and Celtics are truly interested in negotiating this trade, the Celtics would more than likely have to offer up the 2017 pick they received from the Brooklyn Nets in order for talks to continue between the two sides. The chances of that happening are between slim, as it is being reported that the Bulls are not shopping Butler right now.
At the same time, stranger things have happened.