The Bulls made one of the NBA offseason's biggest early moves by sending former league MVP Derrick Rose to the Knicks, and they almost sent away their second star player in Jimmy Butler.
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During the NBA Draft, reports were spreading that the Bulls were looking to trade the All-Star. Obviously no trade happened during the draft, but the rumors continue to circulate regarding Butler's status on the team.
With the trade talks surrounding Butler, the Bulls forward appeared on ESPN programs Wednesday afternoon. On "The Jump" he spoke candidly about the Bulls front office and the moves they made, and may be considering making.
"I can't say I was surprised. I knew it had to be one of us," Butler said about the Rose trade.
But when he was pressed by Tracy McGrady to come up with a reason why it had to be one of them, he was stumped.
"I have no idea," he responded when asked.
Throughout the season there was a narrative in the media that Butler and Rose didn't get along with one another, but he said that wasn't the case. He felt like if the Bulls won more games then the media wouldn't have come up with an excuse.
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"We'd probably still be teammates, to tell you the truth," he said.
As for his own trade talks, Butler wasn't completely sure he'd play in Chicago next season. He said that's where he wants to play, but when host Rachel Nichols asked if that's where he'll be, he responded, "I don't think anything is for certain."
