Chicago

Trade Rumors Surrounding Bulls Players Take New Turn

It appears rumors surrounding Chicago Bulls trades may be taking a very different turn.

After multiple reports surfaced on Jimmy Butler in the last few months, the beloved All-Star has repeatedly said he intended to stay in Chicago, even telling Jimmy Kimmel earlier this month that he was happy with the team.

But one recent rumor may be more enticing than the rest – the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Joe Cowley with the Chicago Sun-Times reports multiple sources in Cleveland say Cavaliers players, including LeBron James and Kyle Irving, have reached out to Butler and one source even said the Bulls star may push his front office to make a deal.

The news follows a report from ESPN’s Marc Stein that Cleveland was attempting to come up with a deal for Butler.

Paired up with Dwyane Wade, Butler had another dominant season last year, averaging 23.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game as he made yet another All-Star Game appearance for the team. 

Previous rumors have hinted at a potential trade with the LA Lakers. 

Even though he’s happy in Chicago, Butler has said it can still be a challenge to continuously hear trade rumors. 

In addition to trade rumors surrounding Butler, new reports also indicate Wade is leaning toward remaining with the Bulls next season and picking up his nearly $24 million player option. 

The 12-time All-Star and three-time champion had previously said he was waiting for management to set the direction of the franchise.

While he has until June 27 to make his decision, ESPN, citing league sources, reports he may stay with the team regardless of potential trades with Butler. 

Wade's contract option is one of the biggest issues hanging over the Bulls after they entered the offseason following a 41-win season and first-round playoff exit against Boston. If Wade opts out, the Bulls would have significantly more cap space to pursue potential free agents like Blake Griffin and Andre Igoudala, among others.

The Bulls also need to decide if they're going to build with Butler or go all in on a tear-down and trade one of the league's best two-way players.

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