Has Jimmy Butler had enough of playing the “Mr. Nice Guy” role in Chicago?
Moments ago, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times released a report claiming that sources in Cleveland are aware of conversations between Butler and Cavaliers stars LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in recent days.
Here’s an excerpt from that report:
According to multiple sources in Cleveland, not only have Cavaliers players – including LeBron James and Kyrie Irving – been reaching out to Butler directly and through back channels over the last five days to gauge his interest, but those players liked what they heard back from the Bulls’ three-time All-Star.
One of the sources indicated that Butler would even push his front office to get the deal done, which is a huge change of direction for Butler, who has told both general manager Gar Forman and vice president of basketball operations John Paxson numerous times over the last year that he didn’t want to be traded.
This is a huge development in the Jimmy Butler saga. Until now, Butler and everyone in his corner have stated repeatedly that the star wants to stay in Chicago. But the Bulls are nowhere near contending for a title, and it’s understandable that Jimmy doesn’t want to waste his prime years waiting for his organization to get itself together.
Obviously a third team would need to join the Bulls and Cavaliers to make such a trade happen. If the Bulls do trade Butler, they’re looking for young prospects and draft picks. The Cavs have nothing to offer in that regard. The Phoenix Suns have been mentioned as a possible third-party candidate, and the Cavs are open to moving forward Kevin Love.
Also included in this report from Cowley is the fact that Butler has been talking to USA teammate Kyle Lowry about joining him in Chicago. Lowry will enter free agency next month and it’s unknown at the moment whether or not he plans to stay in Toronto. One thing’s for sure, though: The Bulls current cap situation would not allow them to sign a max-level star like Lowry without making major moves to free up financial space.
We’ll keep you up to speed on any further developments.
