Contrary to popular belief, making a playoff push this season rather than tanking could actually help the Chicago Bulls with rebuilding in the long run.
Here’s something you’ve probably never thought of: the best way to rebuild a team isn’t to set it up for failure and tank, but rather, is to hope for a thriving finish to the season.
Normally, that wouldn’t be true. If you want to rebuild, you’ll want assets like draft picks, and those come by easier if you aren’t winning games.
However, in the case of Jimmy Butler and the Chicago Bulls, this isn’t the case.
As we saw with the passing on the 2017 NBA Trade Deadline, the Bulls officially did not move Butler. In fact, this seemed to be known throughout the league as early as a couple days ago. However, this doesn’t mean Butler won’t be traded this June before the NBA draft.
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If the Bulls were to dump Butler (and despite not being traded at the deadline it remains a strong possibility), then their goal would be to maximize the return on his trade.
Although tanking would help the Bulls secure a better draft pick this summer, it might not pay off in the long run.
As we all know by now, the Boston Celtics are keen on Butler. Sure, there’ve been doubts about throwing him in the system next to newly-emerged franchise star Isaiah Thomas and there have been worries about the cost to acquire him, but in the end, the Celtics would love to compete for an NBA title again and they know that adding Butler would do that.
However, the Celtics remain timid to give up the expected-to-be first overall pick in this upcoming draft (courtesy of the Brooklyn Nets trade).
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So how can the Bulls get past the “googly-eyed” stage and actually get the Celtics to bite? The answer is Jimmy Butler dominance.
If Butler can carry the Bulls through the second half of the season and lead the Bulls to the playoffs (is that even possible after this trade?), then his stock would rise even more.
Remember, although a star, Butler has not carried Chicago to the playoffs by himself yet, and doing so would appear to be the final step of proving superstar status.
At this point, the Bulls can pounce on Boston, and either elevate his price or ensure they get everything Chicago wants for him.
The Celtics know about Butler’s talent, but if Butler truly carries the Bulls through the rest of 2017, then Boston may be forced to trade for him.
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And when that happens, Chicago’s asking price will be very, very steep.