NBA Trade Rumors: Celtics, Bulls Still Discussing Jimmy Butler Deal

Jimmy Butler still is on the table, and it appears the Boston Celtics are very much in the mix for his services.

The Celtics and Chicago Bulls still are talking about a potential deal involving Butler with the 2016 NBA Draft right around the corner, The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday, citing league sources.

A report surfaced earlier Thursday that the Bulls, who traded point guard Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks on Wednesday, are “starting over” and would be open to trading Butler, the team’s leading scorer in the 2015-16 season.

Boston has had its eye on Butler for quite some time and reportedly pursued him ahead of February’s NBA trade deadline. The 26-year-old shooting guard likely will command a high price tag, however, as he’s earned an All-Star nod in each of the last two seasons. K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports both Jae Crowder and Avery Bradley have been discussed in potential a deal for Butler.

Butler averaged 20.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists for Chicago this season and currently has four years left on his five-year, $92.3 million contract.

Thumbnail photo via John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports Images