Bulls reportedly take Jimmy Butler off trade market

Stop calling the Chicago Bulls to inquire about Jimmy Butler’s availability, because, chances are, they’re probably just going to hang up on you now.

According to a report by Zach Lowe of ESPN on Tuesday, the Bulls have taken Butler off the trade market, as they appear determined to enter into next season with a three-pronged nucleus of Butler and newly-acquired guards Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade.

The two-time All-Star Butler had his name floated around in trade rumors since the end of last season when the Bulls failed to qualify for the playoffs. He was nearly traded on Draft Day 2016, but general manager Gar Forman insists that the team was never actively shopping the former Most Improved Player.

Butler is one of the top two-way studs in the league today, and, at 26 years old, he still has yet to hit his peak. Good on the Bulls’ front office, a group who has certainly had their fair share of missteps over the years, for accepting nothing less than a king’s ransom for Butler.

Image Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

H/T theScore