The 2017 NBA offseason has started off in dramatic fashion, with trade rumors swirling regarding some of the premiere talents in the NBA. All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Paul George have been on the trade market, with multiple teams inquiring about their status.
While it’s unclear what will happen with George, Butler’s status remains up in the air. Initial reports stated that Butler was headed towards the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he received some interference that made him second guess the decision.
However, the situation now seems to be out of his hands. Butler seems to be headed to the Western conference, in a reunion with his former head coach. According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Butler is headed to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster trade:
The Bulls have agreed in principle to deal Jimmy Butler to the Timberwolves, per source.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 22, 2017
The situation regarding the front office of the Chicago Bulls has been a toxic one, with the franchise undecided between another playoff push or a complete rebuild. It appears as though they are leaning towards the rebuilding process, acquiring some versatile assets in the process:
The Bulls are getting Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the 7th pick, per sources. Bulls keep 16th pick.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 22, 2017
Zach Lavine is fresh off of an ACL tear, meaning that his health and rehab is the ultimate priority. Kris Dunn was a highly rated prospect in the 2016 draft, but had his growth stifled by the play of Ricky Rubio. The Bulls also receive another key asset in the trade, obtaining a top-10 lottery pick to start their rebuilding process.
The Timberwolves are one of the up and coming teams in the NBA, poised to make a push towards the upper echelon of the Western Conference. Alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, Butler can help this team take the next step.
Although the 2017 NBA Draft will capture many of headlines during this week, the trade rumors certainly may shock the NBA realm. With Butler becoming the first major domino to fall, the Timberwolves certainly emerge as the first winners of the offseason.
