NBA Rumors: ‘It Would Be A Surprise’ If Bulls Traded Jimmy Butler

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Once the 2015-16 NBA season officially comes to an end, the attention will turn to the NBA Draft, free agency, and potential trade scenarios.

Although speculation about draft prospects and pending free agents will dominate the headlines moving forward, there are a few prominent players in the league that could be traded elsewhere over the summer. One of those players is All-Star Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls brass has made it clear that no one on the team is untouchable. Butler is arguably the team’s best all-around player and their best bargaining chip, but K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune suggests it would be surprising to see him dealt this summer:

That’s why, despite Forman saying last month “we have to explore all options” when asked directly about committing to Butler as a franchise centerpiece, it still would be a surprise if the Bulls traded their two-time All-Star.

Chicago could go through a few drastic changes during the offseason with no telling which veteran players may be on the roster to start the 2016-17 NBA season. Derrick Rose is another player on the team that could be dealt elsewhere with one more guaranteed year on his contract. Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah will hit the free-agent market in July with both players potentially leaving for greener pastures.

If the Bulls cut their losses this summer and decide to start over, Butler would be an intriguing trade piece in order to acquire draft picks or young talent around the league. It’ll be interesting to see what direction the team takes with the Bulls potentially looking like a completely different team next season.