The Bulls nearly traded Jimmy Butler, but appear to be keeping him for now

The discussions with Boston also appeared to end quietly. The Celtics were talking to the Bulls about Butler earlier on Thursday, per The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski, likely for a package built around the No. 3 overall pick. Boston ended up using the pick on California guard Jaylen Brown, however, and there’s been no word of the two sides resuscitating negotiations.

Butler, 26, is coming off a huge season for the Bulls and is one of the better shooting guards in the league. He’s only one year through a five-year deal that makes him a very valuable piece, so it would be a little surprising if the report of Minnesota rejecting the deal is true. LaVine and Dunn are pretty stellar prospects in their own right, though, so it’s not unreasonable to believe the Wolves preferred those two.

Reports pegged the Bulls and Timberwolves as still talking about a possible deal focused on Butler and Dunn even after Minnesota made its selection, but no deal has come to fruition. It’s still possible the Bulls move Butler at some point this offseason, especially after the way this has all played out publicly in recent weeks, but it didn’t happen during the draft.

Chicago already dealt Derrick Rose this week so it’s clearly not shying away from big changes. Butler remains the team’s best player and face of the franchise, plus he’s still under contract for four more years, but it’s clear the Bulls’ commitment to Butler isn’t rock solid right now.