First, Chicago would be losing another face of the franchise
The Bulls have been in the middle of an identity crisis for some time now.
Starting with replacing former head coach Tom Thibodeau with current head coach Fred Hoiberg, things only got worse once Derrick Rose was traded to the New York Knicks. With Rose having become the face of the franchise, it was the end of an era.
Butler quickly took over though.
Despite Chicago signing big names in both Rondo and Wade, everyone agreed: it was now Butler’s team. And he certainly played the part of leader well.
Which is why if the front office deals away the forward, the Bulls will again have an enormous void to fill; they will once again have to find a headlining act. Ultimately, this means the team will have to establish a new culture again.
Under Thibodeau, Chicago thrived behind Rose. Moreover, the Bulls had a shitck: they were a defensive powerhouse.
But now?
Now, Butler is just coming out behind the shadows of Rose and Joakim Noah. The Three Alphas are just getting started. The team is trying to reclaim themselves under Hoiberg. If Butler leaves, all that work will go away with him.