Jimmy Butler just re-signed with the Chicago Bulls to the tune of five years and $95 million which puts him pretty high on the totem poll in terms of his standing with the team. The Bulls were very aware that they could not afford to let Butler walk away considering the star he developed into following the injury to Derrick Rose. However, his return to the Bulls mean the tension between he and Rose goes unsolved and Butler did very little to squash the idea it existed.
Reports surfaced at the start of the offseason that Butler and Rose did not get along as there was a clash of egos between the two players. Rose was reportedly not thrilled at the spotlight shining on Butler and there was some possession tension on the court. Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, Butler did not deny the issue.
"I don't think we have any issues. I think we're fine," Butler said, via RollingStone.com. "I think we're two basketball players that want to win games. That's where I'll leave it at. I think we just wanna win, bring a championship the city, to the organization. I think that's our job. And I think we're gonna do whatever it takes to make that happen. I have a lot of respect for the guy."
The tension between the two caused trade rumors to surface around Rose. The Chicago Tribune reported sources believed a deal could end up being an option considering the injury history of Rose and high-priced contract he is signed to. Rose is not getting traded. That is not happening.
The Bulls could explore deals for either Taj Gibson or even Joakim Noah. Right now, big men are in high demand. Teams are battling each other for DeAndre Jordan, LaMarcus Aldridge, Roy Hibbert and even David Lee. If either Gibson or Noah were to become available, there would be teams interested. According to the Tribune, a deal for either player is unlikely, but should not be ruled out. With Fred Hoiberg as head coach, the team is expected to explore the value of both players and see who could get them the best return.
The Bulls likely stay put with their roster for the upcoming season. There is expected to be some battle for minutes considering Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic will take time away from Gibson and Noah. However, all eyes will now be on the relationship with both Butler and Rose.
