Pippen Ain't Easy
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Trading Up: Packages the Bulls could use for move up in 2017 NBA Draft

By Willie Lutz

Dec 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls vice president of basketball perations John Paxson (left) and general manager Gar Forman (center) talk with sports writer Sam Smith (right) prior to a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls vice president of basketball perations John Paxson (left) and general manager Gar Forman (center) talk with sports writer Sam Smith (right) prior to a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jimmy Butler, SG/SF, Chicago Bulls
Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 overall pick in 2017 NBA Draft: Phoenix Suns

While it’s highly unlikely that a team like the Phoenix Suns are likely to move, it’s certainly worth the question. Nearing the back end of a full-scale rebuild, the guard-heavy Suns may find value in another piece to their small-ball style of play.

With the most expensive contracts on the team surmounting to $14 million for PG Eric Bledsoe, $13.6 million for PG Brandon Knight and $13 million for C Tyson Chandler, their current roster is generally affordable.

The Suns’ ability to take on a big contract, oh, let’s say a the remainder of a five-year, $92 million contract makes them an interesting landing spot for a versatile guard-forward.

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Following a bad roll of the ping pong balls, the Suns fell from second to fourth in the draft order, which likely removed them from contention for SF Josh Jackson, who appears to be a clear top-3 pick. Their guard-heavy line-up makes them pretty much stuck with SF Jayson Tatum at No. 4.

Prices between the top three and the next set of picks drops dramatically, which could signal an optimal partner in a straight-up swap for Jimmy Butler.

Butler signals the end of a rebuild and the beginning of contention for the Suns rotation. Phoenix’s small-ball style allows Butler to run the floor as a three, allowing SG Devin Booker, Knight and Bledsoe to act as a run-and-gun machine.

Additionally, this transaction may result in the Bulls ability to keep their pick at No. 16, which may give them a better shot to replace Butler’s position.

What a package might look like: 2017 First Round pick (No. 4) and 2018 second round pick (from TOR) to CHI, SG/SF Jimmy Butler to PHX

Who the Bulls would take: PG De’Aaron Fox, SF Jayson Tatum, SF/PF Jonathan Isaac

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