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Report via CSN Chicago: Bulls actively shopping Jimmy Butler prior to NBA Draft

By Michael Whitlow

Jan 24, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Chicago Bulls defeated the Orlando Magic 100-92. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Chicago Bulls defeated the Orlando Magic 100-92. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to a report from Comcast SportsNet Chicago’s Vincent Goodwill, the Chicago Bulls are actively trying to shop Jimmy Butler prior to the 2017 NBA Draft on Thursday night in Brooklyn.

Jimmy Butler’s days as a member of the Chicago Bulls could be numbered with the 2017 NBA Draft approaching this Thursday night in Brooklyn.

According to a report from Vincent Goodwill of Comcast SportsNet Chicago, the Bulls are not only listening to offers, they’re trying to wheel and deal for someone to trade for the three-time All-Star also.

Here’s more from Goodwill’s report:

"The Bulls routinely say they’ll take phone calls from teams about Butler’s availability around this time and at the trade deadline but this time around, multiple sources tell CSNChicago.com the Bulls are doing more than listening: they’re shopping Butler to many teams."

Goodwill also mentioned that the Phoenix Suns are “doing due diligence”, per Goodwill’s sources, which basically means that the Suns are listening to offers that are coming in from other teams about the fourth overall pick. (Goodwill also noted that the Denver Nuggets inquired about Butler during this past season’s trade deadline.)

However, here’s where things … get relatively foggy.

"The Bulls were rebuffed on an offer to the Celtics for the third pick straight-up, but bringing the Cavaliers to the table could increase the quality of offers for Butler, who would be eligible for a deal in the $40 million range annually if he makes another All-NBA team next season."

Wait, hold on.

The No. 3 pick for Jimmy Butler? That’s all the Bulls wanted?

Wait, Boston DIDN’T take that deal?

But hold on, there’s even more to the puzzle.

"But Butler has made it known he wants to stay in Chicago and doesn’t want to be moved, according to sources close to the Bulls swingman.But with the Bulls’ desire to free head coach Fred Hoiberg of Butler due to their lack of a fruitful relationship and belief he can improve in his third year, this is the road the franchise is choosing to walk down."

So, wait … timeout.

The Bulls front office is going to pick a head coach with two years of NBA coaching experience over a three-time All-Star, a Most Improved Player award-winner and one of the league’s best players today? That’s certainly something to take note of if a trade goes down this week.

Goodwill also noted this part towards the end:

"As one league executive texted last night, “It’s either Boston or Cleveland but he’s going.”"

If it’s Boston, the Bulls better do their own “due diligence” and get a huge package back for Butler. He’s on a great contract for a top-15 star in the league and he’s worth more than many people realize.

Next: Sun-Times report: Butler may push for trade to Cavaliers?

This is far from over, but it doesn’t seem that Jimmy Butler is far from being traded.

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