The Chicago Bulls have Jimmy Butler back on a max extension this summer and the guard said that his chemistry with point guard Derrick Rose will improve as the two play more games together and this comes as the team could consider a Taj Gibson trade this season, while Brendan Haywood could be a free agent fit for depth behind Joakim Noah on the roster.
The Bulls are coming into the season with a new head coach in Fred Hoiberg and with Butler coming back, expectations will be high for the team once again. Last season the Bulls lost in the playoffs to the Cavaliers and they should be back among the top teams in the eastern conference this year. There were some reports after the season that Rose and Butler had chemistry issues last year and Butler addressed those reports on the radio in an interview earlier this month.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, Butler was asked about the reported issues on "The Waddle and Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000 and he said that he thinks the two will improve and be "better" moving forward. Rose has dealt with serious injuries in each of the past two seasons and that has made it tougher for Butler and Rose to get into a rhythm on the court. Butler added that in his eyes, neither player is "going anywhere anytime soon" and that helps motivate him to play better alongside Rose.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the team could consider a trade with Taj Gibson this season, as they have depth at the forward position. Gibson is coming off of ankle surgery and will be out for a few months and he could be a target at the deadline for the Bulls. The team has Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic at power forward and with Portis coming in as a rookie, it's an area the team can trade from if they want to add another piece mid-season.
Gibson is going to be more of a backup and at over $8 million per season for the next two years, it's a decent chunk of money to spend. The team also has just one main center on the roster with Joakim Noah ahead of Cameron Bairstow and the Bulls could consider adding a free agent. Brandan Haywood is on the market after ebbing waived, while Greg Stiemsma also could be a fit.
Butler added that winning helps everything and that the team is concentrating on being at its best when the season starts with Hoiberg taking over for Tom Thibodeau. Pro Basketball Talk reports that the Bulls offense was more efficient with Butler and Rose on the court together and for the team to finally make a championship run, they will need their two best players in rhythm. Butler had a career season last year, winning the most improved player award and also making the All-Star team.
Butler averaged 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3. assists per game last season and he said in an interview to NBA.com that he could put up more triple doubles in the future. Butler is the centerpiece for the team and the Bulls also kept the roster mostly intact from last season. The team re-signed Aaron Brooks, Mike Dunleavy and Kirk Hinrich to keep the bench strong and the Bulls added Bobby Portis in the draft.
Check here for more on the Chicago Bulls offseason and more on Butler and Rose.