Fansided

Report: Jimmy Butler prefers to stay with Bulls over Cavaliers

By John Buhler

Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler would reportedly prefer to stay with the Chicago Bulls than to be traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a state of flux. They have let former general manager David Griffin walk days before the 2017 NBA Draft. Cleveland faces the harsh reality that its current core cannot beat the Golden State Warriors. Clearly, the Cavaliers are looking to trade for a star player like Paul George of the Indiana Pacers or Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls.

While either player would conceivably make the Cavaliers better equipped to play against Golden State, it seems that Butler has no interest to play for his division rival. According to TNT’s David Aldridge, “Jimmy Butler has informed Cavs that he wants to stay in Chicago rather than be traded to Cleveland.”

This isn’t all that surprising coming from Butler, as he might be the type of player that would prefer to be the alpha in whatever market he plays in. Dwyane Wade might have opted into the second year of his deal with the Bulls, but this is Butler’s Chicago team as he is still very much in his prime.

The reason that Cleveland would almost prefer trading for Butler over George is that Butler has a longer contract than does George. Butler is under contract with the Bulls through 2018-19 with a player option for 2019-20 at around $19 million annually.

George’s camp has made it abundantly clear that he’s not signing with any team not named the Los Angeles Lakers long-term this year before he hits free agency in summer 2018. He has also said that he will not be coming back to the Pacers on a new deal for 2018-19. This has hurt his trade value considerably.

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If Butler wants to stay in Chicago than play with LeBron James, that’s on him. Butler’s reluctance to switch teams in the Central Division might push pressure on Cleveland to trade for George, even if it is only a one-year rental.

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