The NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching. Especially with Chicago’s irregularly mild winter, a month will fly by like nothing. Will the Bulls front office duo of Gar Forman and John Paxson make big moves before the clock strikes 2:00 PM CST on February 23rd? Namely, will they opt to finally begin a full-scale rebuild by trading away rising star Jimmy Butler? Their team is stuck in basketball purgatory in season two with Fred Hoiberg at the helm. The “three alphas” experiment, which began with the surprise signings of aging veterans Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade, was a serious detour from GarPax’s plan to get “younger and more athletic.” It’s also an experiment that appears to have failed as the Bulls (21-22) are fighting to remain relevant in the East’s playoff race.
If they do decide that a full rebuild is the best course of action, Bulls fans should be ready to say goodbye to Wade. A very nice homecoming for the Chicago native could end up being merely a quick stop at home before continuing his NBA journey elsewhere. The three time champion recently spoke with ESPN’s Nick Friedell about his future with the franchise he dreamed of playing for as a Chicago kid.
Jimmy Goes, I Go
While he didn’t come right out and say it, Wade gave the impression that he’s not interested in sticking around for a rebuild. He left Miami to play-and win-with his Marquette brother Jimmy.
“At the end of the year, you sit back and see what the team is, what direction they’re going in. I would be a liar to say that I want to play on a team with all 21-year-olds and be a part of the future building. I would be a fool to say that. But you also want to be in the best position for what you think is for you at that time, too.” – Dwyane Wade
And if the Bulls were to trade Butler?
“One of the main reasons I’m here is Jimmy. He’s the one who called me and got me to come here. So that’s a big part of my decision and everything else, is what Jimmy’s doing, what his future looks like and all that. And I’ve made it very clear. So I have no idea from that standpoint. You just have to wait and see and then see what works out.” – Dwyane Wade
Reason To Stay
Wade signed a two year, $47 million contract with the Bulls last summer. He has a player option on that second season. That means if GarPax decide to trade Jimmy to jump-start the rebuild, Wade will almost certainly take his talents to a team with higher expectations for contending next season.
There is another possible scenario: Butler stays, the Bulls get healthy and make some noise down the stretch. If Hoiberg can figure out a rotation that works, the role players step up on a more consistent basis and Butler continues his superstar level of play, the Bulls could get to the playoffs and even win a series. A lot has to go right for that to happen. But if it does, and GarPax convince Wade they plan to bring in more help this summer, he just might decide to stick around for a second season.
Big Decision
Wade said he has enjoyed his time back in Chicago, but when the time comes it’s all about making the best decision for his family and the remaining years of his career. You can bet he’ll think long and hard about what these Bulls have in store for the coming years.
“You evaluate the year from an organization standpoint, from a player’s standpoint: How you loved it, how you liked it, how you hated it, whatever the case may be…You kind of sit back and – being 35 – you evaluate your years. What do you want to do? How many more years you thinking about playing? What’s the best thing to do? Is it to sign a contract, or is it to opt out and try to get a longer [deal]? It’s a lot of things you weigh.” – Dwyane Wade
If he decides to opt out, Wade will certainly get offers this summer. His body may be on the decline at 35, but he’s still a strong player and excellent leader for any NBA locker room. This summer isn’t close, despite what these warm Chicago days may suggest. But the trade deadline is right around the corner. Based on these recent thoughts from Wade, at least one thing is fairly clear: if Butler isn’t on the Bulls roster on February 24th, his pal Wade won’t stick around much longer.
