Jimmy Butler reportedly has no interest in joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to TNT’s David Aldridge.
Jimmy Butler wants to stay with Bulls over Cavaliers, per report
Butler wants to help the Bulls return to prominence in the East.
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bulls’ swingman reportedly would rather stay in Chicago than be traded to Cleveland, per Aldridge. The Cavaliers have been rumored to be in pursuit of Butler and the Indiana Pacers’ Paul George since the offseason started.
Sources said on Tuesday that the Cavaliers have been notified that Butler hopes to stay with the Bulls and would be reluctant to commit his long-term future to Cleveland. Butler, sources said, remains intent on trying to lead the Bulls back to Eastern Conference prominence.
Stein added that now former Cavs GM David Griffin made a push for both Butler and George during his final days. A trade would have likely forced the Cavaliers to find (at least) a third team to get involved in a trade.
The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday that Chicago had a steep price for Butler. He also named the Minnesota Timberwolves as a team that was interested. But the elevated price on Butler makes it seem like the Bulls might not be in much of a rush to deal their best player.
Butler, who has been an All-Star the past three seasons, is guaranteed to be with the Bulls through the 2018-19 season, with an option for 2019-20.
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