NBA trade rumors: 5 trade destinations for Jimmy Butler

Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Bulls might be in the process of a lengthy rebuild. If they do end up shopping him, here are new five teams could land Jimmy Butler in a trade.

The Chicago Bulls seem to be at a crossroad as an NBA franchise: do the Bulls continue on as is with the current group they have or does Chicago pull the plug and begin what seems like an inevitable rebuilding process in the Windy City?

Chicago failed to reach the 2016 Eastern Conference Playoffs under new head coach Fred Hoiberg. Last year’s team looked worn out after years of grinding under former head coach Tom Thibodeau. While Chicago does have a nice collection of players, it could be time for the Bulls’ front office to sell high on a few of their star players.

Should the Bulls begin a painful fire sale, there isn’t a better trade asset on the Chicago roster than All-Star shooting guard Jimmy Butler. Butler is an elite defensive player and arguably one of the three best shooting guards in the NBA today. His value increases each year as he position group weakens in this point guard/stretch four-driven NBA.

While Chicago would absolutely hate so see a star player of Butlers’ caliber leave town, the Bulls could command a lucrative offer for their fantastic shooting guard in a blockbuster trade. If traded, here are the five teams that make the most sense for Chicago to consider doing business with.

Next: 5. Philadelphia 76ers.