Pippen Ain't Easy
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Why the Jimmy Butler trade wasn’t that bad

By Luke Askew

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 26: Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls is announced before the start of Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 26, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 26: Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls is announced before the start of Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 26, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Let’s try and explain why the Jimmy Butler wasn’t as bad as you think it is.

Let me be clear: I am a huge Jimmy Butler fan.

Like most Bulls fans, I’ve supported the guy ever since he came into the league in 2011 and was loving every minute of watching him grow into an All-NBA player. But with that being said, the draft night trade wasn’t as bad for the Chicago Bulls as most fans are thinking.

Butler had two guaranteed years left on his contract and then a player option for 2019. What if the Bulls hang onto him and then in two years, he walks and the Bulls get nothing in return?

What if he decides he wants to be in Chicago for his whole career and then gets a max contract in 2019? Where were the Bulls headed with him?

All of these were questions the Bulls front office had to address before going forward.

More from Bulls History

The Bulls were mired in mediocrity. A fringe playoff team is enough to fill the seats every night, but how satisfied will fans be if they never amount to anything more than a second-round playoff exit? Probably not very satisfied.

The more Butler ages, the more his trade value would go down, so the Bulls did what they thought was necessary.

Now let’s look at what they got in return.

Kris Dunn

Dunn had a bad rookie campaign last year. There’s no denying that. But, his size and athleticism give him the tools to be a stellar defensive player with some offensive upside, given the right opportunities.

Former Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau has always been hesitant to give rookies adequate opportunities, so on a rebuilding team where he should get plenty of minutes, I like his upside.

Zach LaVine

LaVine was poised to have a breakout season in 2016-17 before tearing his ACL in early February. Before his injury, LaVine was averaging 18.9 points per game on 45.9 percent shooting (37.8% from 3).

While his defense still has plenty of room for improvement, his scoring and athleticism should be exciting for Bulls fans going forward, assuming he is able to return to form after rehabbing the injured knee.

Lauri Markkanen

“Lights out Lauri” has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation, polarizing talent. He’s long, athletic and smooth. Most of his game needs time to grow — which should be no problem given the rebuilding period the Bulls just entered — but his offensive ceiling is a combination of Dirk Nowitzki (shooting touch) and Kristaps Porzingis (athleticism).

While he is a risky pick with some bust potential, he gives the Bulls some shooting and some upside, and they haven’t had either of those in years.

The one thing the Bulls struck out on was swapping picks with Minnesota. Swapping the No. 16 pick with the No. 7 pick was a travesty for the Bulls on the front end of a rebuild. In no way, shape, or form should the team dealing an All-NBA player also have to send a first-round draft pick with him.

With all that being said, after being stuck in a perpetual state of .500, the Bulls finally picked a direction.

Next: Cristiano Felicio will remain with the Bulls and sign new four-year deal

Whether you are happy, sad, or some odd combination of both (like me), it’s about time they committed to a route, even if it means more losses in the immediate future.

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