The Chicago Bulls are may decide to start a total rebuild this offseason after missing the playoffs, the first step of which would be acquiring future assets they don't have. In order to get them as quickly as possible, they'll have to trade some of their best players - and start guard Jimmy Butler is the guy they have put on the trade block. Here are the four teams that are the most likely to trade for the All-Star:
4) Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers have been shopping centers Jahlil Okafor (a Chicago native) and Nerlens Noel this offseason as they try to acquire another top pick in the draft, but why not use one of them (along with other assets) to go after a superstar? Philadelphia has a multitude of first-round picks in both the 2016 and 2017 drafts, and coupling a few of those with either big man and another young player (Dario Saric?) could be enough for Chicago to pull the trigger.
Butler and projected No. 1 pick Ben Simmons would give Philly an excellent core to build around - and could also attract a big-name free agent this offseason.
3) Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is another team that has several first round picks over the next few years, and two good young combo guards in Brandon Knight in Eric Bledsoe. Why not trade Bledsoe, the No. 4 and No. 28 picks in this year's draft and Miami's 2018 first-round pick for Butler? He'd turn Phoenix into a legitimate playoff contender while forming a dynamite duo with Devin Booker.
2) Boston Celtics
Butler is a the superstar who would give Boston what they've been looking for while also making them more attractive to top-tier free agents - and Boston has the assets to make this work. The No. 3 pick in the draft is certainly attractive, and adding another first-round pick or two (Brooklyn's unprotected 2018 pick comes to mind) with some of their young prospects could make this work.
1) Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have made Butler one of their top targets this offseason, and while they would have to give up a lot to get him, they would gladly do it. The No. 2 pick in the draft would be included in any deal, and coupling it with their 2018 first-round pick and one of their young players (Jordan Clarkson?) makes sense for both sides. Adding a player of Butler's caliber would not only turn LA into a playoff team for next season, but he'd also increase their chances of landing a top-tier free agent.