1. Jimmy Butler
- Age: 26 (Sept. 14)
- Contract: four years, $75.9 million, player option 2019-2020
Out of all of the stars who have been involved in trade rumors, Jimmy Butler may have the highest trade value, save for Russell Westbrook. That includes the likes of DeMarcus Cousins, Paul Millsap and Blake Griffin.
Next: Butler, McDermott work out on the beach together
Now before you get all upset, remember, I’m not saying that Jimmy Butler is better than all of those guys. I am simply saying that his trade value is higher. The advantage he has over those guys is his contract length, salary, and he’s the youngest of that bunch, with the exception of Cousins. Also, he doesn’t rely on his athleticism like Blake Griffin, and he doesn’t have character issues like Cousins.
Jimmy Butler might never be a 1A guy, but he could prove to be one heck of a sidekick on a championship-level team.
The Bulls should be looking to move on from Butler with the current state of the roster. They lack young assets, and their timeline doesn’t match up with Jimmy Butler’s prime. Trading Butler would reward Chicago with an abundance of young assets that could help them greatly accelerate the rebuilding process.
If the Bulls elect to let Butler’s contract play out in hopes of bringing him back as a free agent, it very well could send them into a prolonged period of mediocrity.