5 reasons why the Bulls need to trade Jimmy Butler right now
By Connor Learn
2. The Bulls don’t want to trade Jimmy Butler too late
It is relatively rare that NBA stars become available via trade. It is even rarer when that move happens. And when it does, it is usually because that team was forced to play their hand. Usually it comes in form of a forced trade by the player or their contract is set to expire. The recent history of teams trading their stars under these circumstances doesn’t bode well for Chicago.
Orlando held on to Dwight Howard until he forced his way out and they haven’t made the playoffs since. The Knicks are still employing Carmelo Anthony, and whatever they will get in return for him will pale in comparison to what they would have received in the past. Oklahoma City has been panned for their return for James Harden for years now. Sacramento just traded Demarcus Cousins for pennies on the dollar. While it is hard to get an equal return for a star, it is near impossible without negotiating leverage.
The Bulls have leverage right now with Butler having at least two years left on his deal. However, they need to use it right. There are two moves that they should see as good precedents for them. The first is Minnesota receiving Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett in exchange for Kevin Love. Landing this coming Nets pick from Boston could make this similar to that move. The other trade to emulate is the Jazz trading Deron Williams to the Nets for Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, and two first round picks. Williams has time left on his contract and was in his prime, and thus the Jazz received a good return. They are now one of the most sound young teams in the league. It is arguably better to trade Jimmy Butler too early rather than too late.