From the Chicago Tribune:
There are rival executives who believe the Bulls and Celtics will rekindle trade talks centered on Jimmy Butler before the Feb. 23 deadline. The teams held serious talks in June, and the Celtics own the same assets — Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart, the Nets' first-round picks in 2017 and 2018 — the teams discussed then.
Butler could be in line for a five-year, roughly $230 million extension in 2018 that would begin in 2019-20 should he qualify for the designated player exception. Trading a player of Butler's stature typically takes place near the draft, when draft positions are known and projected picks slotted.
But last week's drama and a tough upcoming trip could change the direction of the season and generate internal debate anew.
Report: NBA execs believe Butler-to-Celtics talks 'will rekindle'
There are rival executives who believe the Bulls and Celtics will rekindle trade talks centered on Jimmy Butler before the Feb. 23 deadline. The teams held serious talks in June, and the Celtics own the same assets — Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart, the Nets' first-round picks in 2017 and 2018 — the teams discussed then.
Butler could be in line for a five-year, roughly $230 million extension in 2018 that would begin in 2019-20 should he qualify for the designated player exception. Trading a player of Butler's stature typically takes place near the draft, when draft positions are known and projected picks slotted.
But last week's drama and a tough upcoming trip could change the direction of the season and generate internal debate anew.
Report: NBA execs believe Butler-to-Celtics talks 'will rekindle'
