Fansided

5 reasons why the Bulls need to trade Jimmy Butler right now

By Connor Learn

Feb 16, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) drives on Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) drives on Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) and forward Jimmy Butler (21) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3. It would be smart to build through the 2017 NBA Draft

The Bulls, as one of the NBA’s premier franchises, face more pressure to succeed than most teams. So while fans are becoming more aware of the benefits of multi-year rebuilds, the Bulls may not have that option. If Chicago indeed chooses to rebuild, they will be pressured to do so as quickly and efficiently as possible. If they key on this draft, then they may be able to be able to do just that.

The Bulls came into this season with a decent chance of having two first round picks in this draft. They own their own in addition to the Kings’, which is top ten protected. Sacramento has been flirting with the bottom ten all year, but now seems certain to keep their pick after giving away DeMarcus Cousins. This coming draft is looking like it’s going to be an exceptionally talented one, and Chicago should find a way to become a bigger player in it.

Should the Bulls acquire a lottery pick as part of a Butler trade, it should yield a good player. In addition, their own pick, currently 17th, would climb the lottery rapidly without their best player. If the Bulls can get two good players to build with immediately, the amount of time that they will be bad for shouldn’t be too long. John Paxson and Gar Forman’s jobs are safe in Chicago; they can survive a rebuilding phase and shouldn’t be afraid to start one if it’s a good opportunity.

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