Report: Celtics wouldn't part with Crowder in potential Jimmy Butler trade

The Boston Celtics may have been willing to add a superstar at the deadline, but not at the expense of one of their most valuable players.

Boston general manager Danny Ainge pursued Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler prior to February's deadline, but talks fell apart after the Celtics weren't willing to include small forward Jae Crowder in a deal, league sources told CSN Chicago's Vincent Goodwill.

Crowder has been one of Boston's best two-way players this season, averaging 14.2 points per game while typically covering the opponent's top wing player. Crowder's most attractive selling point, however, is arguably his affordable contract - a deal with four years and $29 million remaining after this season.

While Butler's put together an excellent individual season in Chicago, his difficulty getting along with both teammates and coaches likely led to the Bulls' willingness to deal him.

Related - Report: Bulls player unhappy with 'preferential treatment' for Butler

With a number of draft picks at his disposal, it's not unrealistic to believe Ainge will re-enter trade talks with Chicago this offseason, especially after seeing the Bulls miss the playoffs for the first time since 2007-08.