The story of why one of the most beloved players in Bulls history was traded away.
It may be hard to believe, but the Chicago Bulls let All-Star Jimmy Butler slip away in 2017, which makes his recent heroics with the Heat a bittersweet experience for many fans. Specifically, Miami is a win away from advancing past the Milwaukee Bucks, who were the best regular-season team in the NBA, and Jimmy is leading the way for the squad from South Beach.
Rise to stardom with the Bulls
Butler’s stint with the Bulls was a remarkable story. He went from being the 30th pick in 2011 to becoming the unquestioned heart and soul of a Bulls squad that made the NBA Playoffs in five of the six seasons he was with the team.
However, Butler’s stay with Chicago wasn’t without controversy. In January of 2017, he and then-teammate Dwyane Wade spoke out against the efforts of the team’s younger players. As a result, the two were fined and held out of the starting lineup in their next game.
In addition, reports stated that after flourishing under Tom Thibodeau, Butler’s relationship with the Bulls’ then-coach Fred Hoiberg never really got off. Butler’s comments about Hoiberg’s coaching style said as much.
“I believe in the guys in this locker room, yeah, but I also believe that we probably have to be coached a lot harder at times,” Butler said in 2015. “I know Fred is a laid-back guy and I respect him for that, but when guys aren’t doing what they’re supposed to do, you gotta get on guys, myself included. You gotta do what you’re supposed to do when you’re out there playing basketball.”
Series of trades
With the Bulls also keeping an eye on their salary cap, the team eventually traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in June 2017 in exchange for Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and and a draft pick that became Lauri Markkanen.
However, Butler’s time in Minnesota was brief as he again clashed with the younger players and was subsequently sent to the Philadelphia 76ers, before finally signing with the Heat in 2019.
Regardless of what happens with Butler’s career with the Heat, he will always be remembered as an important part of the Bulls’ legacy. He managed to reach three All-Star games, two All-Defensive teams, and one All-NBA team selection while with the Bulls, and he also won a gold medal in 2016 while playing for Team USA at the Rio Olympics.
