In the wake of Derrick Rose's extensive injuries and Joakim Noah's rapid decline, Jimmy Butler has emerged as the closest thing the Chicago Bulls have to a franchise player. The 26-year-old guard/forward has improved in each of his five seasons and signed a five-year, $95 million deal with the Bulls last year.
But trouble may be brewing between Butler and the Bulls.
A recent report claimed that Butler has a "strained" relationship with head coach Fred Hoiberg, who took over for Tom Thibodeau, and that the veteran's leadership leaves a lot to be desired in Chicago. The report also claims that Butler believes that the Bulls are the ones disseminating these rumors. Yikes.
Butler has four years and $75.9 million remaining on his deal, though he could opt out after three more seasons by declining his 2019-20 player option. It has been rumored ever since Thibodeau signed on with the Minnesota Timberwolves that the coach would attempt to trade for his previous protégé. However, should Chicago engage in any trade talks regarding Butler, Minnesota would likely be last on the list. Chicago General Manager Gar Forman and VP of Basketball Operations John Paxson have no love lost for Thibodeau.
As of now, the Bulls are not expected to start shopping Butler despite their disappointing 42-40 season this past year. Though blowing up this core may be the best course of action given the uneven health of the roster's stars, Butler remains one of the few young building blocks in Chicago's arsenal. It's unlikely it would part with him without a fight.
However, should Butler have a falling out with either Hoiberg or the front office, a trade request remains a distinct possibility. If that were to happen, the Bulls would receive calls from more than half the league for the hard-nosed and talented Butler.
The 2011 first-round pick played in 67 games this past season and averaged 20.9 points, 4.8 assists and 5.3 rebounds. With the salary cap spiking next year, a handful of teams will have the necessary space to fit his deal into their payroll.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
