The Chicago Bulls had an offer for Jimmy Butler and turned it down
It appears that at least one team had interest in Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler this NBA trade deadline. According to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, the Boston Celtics put together a trade package for shooting guard Jimmy Butler but the Bulls turned it down.
In his report Bulpett states that the offer was two first round picks, Dallas’ pick that is protected and the Brooklyn Nets pick. The Celtics have stocked up first rounders over the years to use as trade bait and at least attempted to shift the scale in the Eastern Conference.
The interesting part is that the Mavericks’ pick is protected No. 1 through No. 1, however, the Nets pick could turn out to be the No. 1 overall pick. The Nets are going into the lottery and are almost guaranteed a top three pick at this point in season. He also noted that the Bulls weren’t “actively shopping” Butler, but if the right deal was there they could do it.
The Chicago Tribune’s K.C. Johnson confirmed the report but said talks didn’t advance because the Bulls called it a “low ball” offer:
Per that Boston Herald report that the Celtics targeted Jimmy Butler, told offer was of lowball variety and talks didn't advance.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 3, 2016
Butler is averaging 22.4 points, 4.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game and was selected to play in the NBA All-Star Game. He did not play in the game due to injury and has missed the past few weeks. He’s expected to return Saturday.
It’s obvious it will take a lot more to get Butler than what the Celtics offered, but at this stage with the team falling into ninth place in the Eastern Conference is it time to rebuild for the future?
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