Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Bulls get in return for trading Jimmy Butler?
The Bulls received shooting guard Zach LaVine, point guard Kris Dunn, and the 7th pick in the 2017 draft which they used on Lauri Markkanen. Minnesota got Butler and the 16th pick, which they used on Justin Patton.
How has Zach LaVine performed since the Jimmy Butler trade?
LaVine is developing into an all-star level player and is averaging a little over 25 points per game. He's one of the two pieces from the Butler trade expected to make a sizeable impact for the Bulls moving forward.
Why didn't Jimmy Butler work out with the Bulls?
The "three alphas" of Butler, Rajon Rondo, and Dwayne Wade divided the team more than elevated it. Butler consistently undermined coach Fred Hoiberg and the system wasn't conducive to creating a winning culture, allowing Butler to deflect blame.
How many wins have the Bulls had since trading Jimmy Butler?
The Bulls haven't reached even 28 wins in any season since Butler's departure and average about 24 wins per season. They haven't made the playoffs since the trade.
What made Jimmy Butler successful with the Miami Heat?
Pat Riley created a culture with enough team cohesion to compete, featuring tough team defense and riding the hot hand each night. The Heat's formula combined multiple undrafted players and strong culture to reach the NBA Finals as a fifth seed.