Chicago Bulls hit rebuild with Jimmy Butler trade, set drastic new direction for franchise

CHICAGO – Tired of treading in mediocrity, the worst place for an NBA team to sit, the Chicago Bulls took their franchise in a drastic new direction on Thursday night.

In a trade that had simmered below the surface for at least the last year, the Bulls finally dealt Jimmy Butler, the 30th overall pick who had worked himself into a three-time All-Star.

“What we’ve done tonight is set a direction,” Bulls vice president John Paxson said. “We’ve decided to make the change and rebuild this roster. We’re going to do it with young players we believe can play a system Fred (Hoiberg) is comfortable with.”

That may be up-tempo, and that may include higher proficiency from the three-point line, but the Bulls’ vision won’t be realized for a few years. Their lack of offensive identity has been a hallmark since Hoiberg took over two seasons ago, and part of that was because of occasional tension between coach and star. 

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Their new assets include last year’s No. 5 pick Kris Dunn, who was underwhelming as a rookie and played inconsistent minutes in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation. It also includes Zach LaVine, who showed promise before tearing his ACL. The Bulls then drafted Arizona stretch-five Lauri Markkanen with the No. 7 pick that was acquired from the Timberwolves.

“When you talk about certainty, you talk about young players, draft picks, that give you a leg up on (the rebuild),” Paxson said.

Both Paxson and GM Gar Forman said it was the best deal that the Bulls heard, which, if true, says a lot about Butler’s value despite his third-team All-NBA status.

The Bulls didn’t answer whether they entered Thursday night determined to deal Butler and set a new path.

“We made the decision when the right deal came out on the table,” Paxson said. “It’s real simple.”

What’s also simple is that the Bulls won’t be relevant in the playoff picture for several years, while the Timberwolves are about as well positioned as can be for a young team.

“We understand what this means,” Paxson said. “It’s going to be a difficult process.”

Thibodeau, the coach and president of the Timberwolves who was unceremoniously fired by the Bulls just two summers ago, delivered a star who they expect will set the tone for the franchise. The foundation of Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins is already there.

“I give Tom a lot of credit,” Paxson said. “He was professional and I think handled it all really well. It’s great for them. They are in a position where they had drafts over the last number of years that have gotten them young talent.”

Perhaps in a few years after several lotteries and shrewd picks, the Bulls can find themselves in a comparable position. And if they need a blueprint, they don't need to look very far.