The countdown to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline is in its final phases. With the shocking DeMarcus Cousins trade that transpired on Sunday evening, everyone is on the edge of their seats, waiting for other big dominoes to fall. As for Chicago Bulls fans? They’re all breathlessly waiting to see if three-time All Star Jimmy Butler stays or gets dealt to the Boston Celtics.
Recent hints dropped by sources across the league suggest that Gar Forman and John Paxson won’t give up their franchise player for anything less than a king’s ransom. Celtics president Danny Ainge can still offer the same pieces from the teams’ trade talks last year, but Butler’s value has increased. His “max” contract is now arguably the most team-friendly deal in the NBA, and he’s under said contract through 2019. He’s also an even better player than he was last season. Take all of that into account, and it’s logical to assume that whatever GarPax were demanding for Butler last season, they’re demanding more right now.
Up The Ante
On Monday’s episode of The Lowe Post podcast, host Zach Lowe interviewed ESPN NBA Insider Brian Windhorst about the Cousins trade. Towards the end of the episode, they touch on a few potential deals that might happen between now and Thursday’s deadline. Here’s what Windhorst had to say about Butler and the Celtics:
“I would lean no [trade], but it’s going to be interesting because Boston – regardless of what [Bulls] think – Boston has upped their ante for their positioning on Butler.” – Brian Windhorst
Windhorst didn’t list any specific assets. During talks last season, Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier were included in the potential pieces being discussed. And of course, there are Brooklyn’s first round picks owed to Boston in 2017 and 2018. Given that the Nets are likely to finish with the worst record in the league, that 2017 pick could turn into Lonzo Ball or Markelle Fultz with the #1 overall pick.
Could Boston “upping the ante” mean that Ainge is now willing to include that 2017 pick, which most insiders believed was off limits in any of Ainge’s trade negotiations? Is he willing to include both picks in addition to one or two role players? If so, the Bulls would have to strongly consider pulling the trigger. Butler is so valuable, and the Cousins trade is a fresh reminder that trading away superstars is a bad idea unless you know you’re getting a fair package in return.
Stay Quiet Or Join The Party?
Forman and Paxson are still likely to be hesitant to swap Butler before the deadline, for two reasons. One: the Bulls are currently in position to make the playoffs. GarPax stated their goal this season was to “retool while remaining competitive.” They’d count getting back to the playoffs as “mission accomplished” in that regard. Two: The Celtics might get unlucky with the ping pong balls. The Nets pick isn’t a lock to be first, or even second. If it ends up being the 3rd overall pick, it’s much less valuable. The Bulls would rather wait until after the draft lottery to know exactly what pick they’d be getting as the centerpiece of a Butler trade.
Still, anything is possible. GarPax are undoubtedly listening to all offers for Butler. Why wouldn’t they? If the Celtics – seeing weakness in Cleveland and going for the kill – offer a package that’s too good to pass up, will they finally push the rebuild button?
Stay tuned for what should be a very fascinating few days. Here’s how Windhorst left things to conclude his chat with Lowe:
“I think we’re going to see contenders in the Eastern Conference make moves, Zach. The next time you have a podcast, the East is going to look different. That’s what I think.” – Brian Windhorst
Lowe is scheduled to release another podcast Tuesday, so any big moves won’t necessarily happen that quickly. Lowe also teased his own column on a Butler-to-Celtics trade that will come out on Tuesday, so keep an eye out for that. With Cousins already moved, Butler is shaping up to be the focal point of trade rumors over the next few days. Will Ainge “up the ante” enough to turn the rumors into reports of a done deal?
…Bulls fans can only sit and anxiously wait. The clock is at 72 hours and counting.
