Jimmy Butler trade unlikely, Chicago Bulls wish to hold onto star forward

The Chicago Bulls are unlikely to pull the trigger on a Jimmy Butler trade this summer, contrary to earlier reports that the All-Star forward is "as good as gone" from the Windy City. Butler has been subject to trade talks for over a year with the Celtics reportedly exploring various scenarios to acquire the star wing.

The Butler-to-Celtics trade chatter first gained traction during last year's NBA Draft night and once again gathered steam during February's NBA Trade Deadline. However, the Celtics and Bulls were unable to come to terms on a suitable deal. The teams were expected to revisit the potential trade this summer but it seems like Chicago's strong showing in the ongoing first-round playoff series against Boston has turned the tide.

According to Howard Beck of Bleacher Report, the Bulls would have been inclined to trading Butler if the team got swept by Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. “If they had gotten swept, they would have been inclined to blow it up (the roster). But they're so ‘which way the wind is blowing.’ If they make it to the second round, they may talk themselves into trying to keep it together and build around Jimmy," a source close to the Bulls told Beck.

Jimmy Butler trade not happening this summer?

Last month, a front-office execute told The Ringer that Butler was “as good as gone” from Chicago and would push the Bulls front office to trade him this summer. "On May 16, ping-pong balls will determine the destiny of each team with a lottery pick. Conventional wisdom would suggest that the team who wins the lottery is in pole position for a Jimmy Butler trade or Paul George trade, just as the Cavs were in 2014 for Love. What teams will need to weigh is the prospect of winning more in the short term versus the potential of winning a lot long-term," read the report, hinting at the possibility of Celtics sending their possible Top-3 draft selection (via Brooklyn Nets) to the Bulls in exchange for Butler.

Jimmy Butler has a Player Option worth US$19.8 million (AU$25.9 million) for the 2019-20 season. Since the star wing has a minimum of two full seasons left, the Bulls could expect a rich haul in return for Butler. Butler is expected to opt out of the final year of his contract to capitalise on the NBA's rising salary cap. The Bulls lead the Celtics 2-1 in the ongoing first-round series of the NBA Playoffs 2017.