5 reasons why the Bulls need to trade Jimmy Butler right now
By Connor Learn
As the trade deadline approaches, Jimmy Butler trade rumors have heated up again. Rumors have swirled that he may be headed to Boston, the Bulls should follow through with this move.
The post Rose-Thibs-Noah era Bulls have been buoyed by the excellent play of Jimmy Butler. Chicago elected to build around Butler this off-season when they brought in Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo to pair with their 27-year-old franchise centerpiece. Despite those moves, the Bulls are below .500 and facing a summer full of decisions. The organization’s current stance is that Butler isn’t available. Despite this, they would be wise to trade Butler now and accelerate a rebuild rather than continue on their current path. Chicago needs to trade Jimmy Buckets right now, and here are five reasons why:
5. Jimmy Butler is playing the best basketball of his career
Known for his solid work ethic, Jimmy Butler has improved each year of his career. Though he played sparingly as a rookie, he steadily earned more minutes until he became a starter prior to his third season with the Bulls. Butler provided steady two way play on the wing once he seized that starting position and then earned NBA Most Improved Player honors when he averaged 20.0 points per game in his fourth year. Last year, in his fifth season, he officially took over Derrick Rose’s role as the Bulls’ franchise player and improved again.
Butler has stepped his game up yet again in year six of his career. Despite the Bulls falling short of most fans expectations, he has not. Butler earned a starting nod for the Eastern Conference All-Stars this year for the first time on he strength of career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and three point shooting. The three-time All-Defensive team selection has truly emerged as one of the league’s best two way players. And at just 27-years-old, he will probably remain one of the best for a number of years to come.
The trade value that Chicago could receive for Butler has never and will never be higher than it is right now. He is under contract for at least the next two seasons after this one, with a player option for the season after that. With every day that passes, Butler becomes another day older and another day closer to the end of his deal. If the Bulls are planning on trading him and expect a fair return, they are inclined to do so sooner rather than later.