As the entire Jimmy Butler saga in Chicago prepares to play out later this summer, there’s still a strong chance that he could be traded. There were rumors surrounding the All-Star heading up to February’s trade deadline, but the Bulls decided to hang on to their franchise player.
Now, following a first-round playoff exit and with widespread questions about the future of Chicago’s roster, it sure looks like Butler himself is making some back channel noise about acquiring fellow All-Star Carmelo Anthony.
A confidant of Jimmy Butler says one available star player that JB wouldn't mind the #Bulls going after is #Knicks F Carmelo Anthony.
— Carlos Douglas Jr. (@TheRealC_Los) June 7, 2017
To be clear, this is an intriguing possibility. Assuming Dwyane Wade decides to remain in Chicago, the idea of adding Anthony could make some sense. We already know Wade and Anthony are friends. And with Butler still in his prime, this has the look of a potential contender back east.
There are, however, two issues here.
First off, both Wade and Anthony are on the back ends of their careers. At 35 years old, Wade is still going strong. He averaged 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in his first year with the Bulls.
Though, there still has to be lingering questions about Anthony’s ability to live up to his contract on a contending team. Sure he put up solid numbers for a bad New York Knicks squad last season. But at 33 year old and set to earn north of $54 million over the next two seasons, these questions are real.
Secondly, the Bulls cannot afford to give up future assets for Anthony. The idea of dealing potential long-term contributors for someone of Anthony’s ilk doesn’t seem too promising. Just ask the Brooklyn Nets how that has worked out.
On the surface, Anthony to the Bulls could make sense. But a lot would have to fall in place for this to work out, primarily the type of package the Knicks and president Phil Jackson would demand from his former team.