Rose traded to Knicks, Robin Lopez + Calderon + Grant to Bulls

[Casperian]

If I'm the Bulls, I trade Jimmy Butler. I don't think his value increases on a team in flux next year and they're not building a contender for the foreseeable future. If they like Dunn as reported, the deal with the Celtics just makes sense.

I think the opposite.  You just handed the keys to Butler.  It's his team now.

Of course, with that front office, nothing would surprise me.

Wasn't the reported rift in the Bulls' locker room between Noah and Butler? If this is Butler's team now, they'll have to trade Noah next, which means there's noone left to play with Butler.

At that point, wouldn't it be easier (and smarter) to just start over from scratch?

Noah's a FA.  He's as good as gone already.

Can't you start from scratch with Butler? Or, at least, attempt to?

I dunno. Can you? Is Butler on board with that? The Bulls certainly won't be a big FA destination if all they have is Jimmy Butler.

I think it's a lot easier to just draft at #3, maybe some extra picks, and start from there.

[gift]

If I'm the Bulls, I trade Jimmy Butler. I don't think his value increases on a team in flux next year and they're not building a contender for the foreseeable future. If they like Dunn as reported, the deal with the Celtics just makes sense.

I think the opposite.  You just handed the keys to Butler.  It's his team now.

Of course, with that front office, nothing would surprise me.

I don't get this reasoning though. Sure, there was tension between Rose and Butler. But it's not as if that's what has been holding the team back. They don't have the talent anymore. Rose was done, Gasol was one dimensional, Noah dismissed and now they are all gone. Mirotic got a little exposed. It's basically just Butler now and he's not good enough to carry the team or attract other stars by himself. His value is high right now though. They risk it lowering if the team struggles more than expected. If the team overachieves, they are still treadmill.

Sure.  Maybe his value to the team is best as trade value right now.  However, you also have him under a very reasonable contract for the next few years.  A contract that will look even better under the new salary cap.  Allowing the team more flexabilty to go out and get other pieces.

Like I said before, with that front office, I could see it going in either direction.  But getting rid of Thibs, Noah, and now Rose, I think they're finally moving on from that past regime.

I agree that building around him is still a possibility. I just think a better strategy is to grab Dunn (+ Bradley??), take an even higher pick next year as a result of the full rebuild and go that route. I just don't see them building via free agency over the next two years and after that Butler will be approaching 30.

[Diggles]

Bulls are still a good FA destination.    Vets, Big market and All Star Jimmy Bucketts.   He is better or equal to than any two players we have.   

[LarBrd33]

That's such a Knicks thing to do.  Obviously Rose to the Knicks.  It makes just way too much sense for that not to happen.

[Phantom255x]

It's funny seeing Knicks fans and Bulls fans all mad about the whole deal.

So far I think the only fan base that is truly happy is the Pacers (understandably).

Jazz fan base seems 50/50 though they think #12 for Hill is an overpay. Time will tell.

[Snakehead]

Bulls are still a good FA destination.    Vets, Big market and All Star Jimmy Bucketts.   He is better or equal to than any two players we have.

Don't forget terrible owner who hates to pay players what they're worth.  That's the biggest draw!

(oh and runs a winning coach out of town and now they have a coach that wasn't good his first year.  So there's that too).

[Phantom255x]

Bulls are still a good FA destination.    Vets, Big market and All Star Jimmy Bucketts.   He is better or equal to than any two players we have.

No they aren't. Think about it.

Noah OPENLY admitted to his fellow teammates he is likely leaving because of the downward direction the Bulls are going in.

Pau Gasol will leave too (arguably their third best player this season, maybe even second depending on how you evaluate Rose's season).

Oh, and Butler was also known to feud with the FO. What picture does that paint to free agents out there?

[LarBrd33]

Welp I guess Chicago could move Butler for Bradley and Dunn and replace their backcourt.

[CoachBo]

Welp I guess Chicago could move Butler for Bradley and Dunn and replace their backcourt.

Seems like a stronger play than making Jimmy Buckets the centerpiece of a 30-win team.

[Tr1boy]

holy crap

Yup. Means , this is butlers team now

Knicks are not smart. Rose best days are behind him

[Phantom255x]

I'd rather keep #3 + Bradley than trade it + more for Butler.

Also I think Butler is now untouchable after this deal.

[Monkhouse]

I think if the Bulls honestly believed Butler could become the franchise player, that they'll keep him. Simply put, the Bulls are going to want the farm. Or at least a nice offer to even budge on keeping someone who is reasonably signed for the next few years, with the high jump in cap space.

[LarBrd33]

Welp I guess Chicago could move Butler for Bradley and Dunn and replace their backcourt.

Seems like a stronger play than making Jimmy Buckets the centerpiece of a 30-win team.

Yeah.  Bradley and Dunn is pretty good return for premium brand Ricky Davis.

Also, if the Knicks sign Dwight Howard, it'll be pretty hilariously classic Knicks, but actually would make them a semi dangerous team next year in the East.

[CoachBo]

Welp I guess Chicago could move Butler for Bradley and Dunn and replace their backcourt.

Seems like a stronger play than making Jimmy Buckets the centerpiece of a 30-win team.

Yeah.  Bradley and Dunn is pretty good return for premium brand Ricky Davis.

Also, if the Knicks sign Dwight Howard, it'll be pretty hilariously classic Knicks, but actually would make them a semi dangerous team next year in the East.

That last sentence I'm not buying. The Butler-Gibson-God knows what else Bulls would win more than the Knicks' collection of flotsam with the Clown at the 5.

[ekosins3]

Would rather trade crowder + #3(Dunn) for Butler. Makes sense for both teams right now.

Would rather keep Bradley and butler can play sf