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Report: Bulls telling teams they're not interested in trading Butler

USA Today Sports

Call it posturing or patience, but the Chicago Bulls aren't eager to move their franchise player.

The Bulls have told suitors that they have no plans to move Jimmy Butler ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, sources told K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

Johnson adds the qualifier that the situation could change if a significant offer arises, but the Bulls appear content on retaining Butler.

Related: Butler's camp doesn't think Bulls will trade him before deadline

Fresh off his third straight All-Star nod, Butler is enjoying career-highs across the board as he continues to improve by leaps and bounds each year. The All-Defensive team staple is averaging 24.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, five assists and 1.8 steals while single-handedly carrying the Bulls in the playoff chase.

Butler's style of leadership has occasionally rubbed teammates the wrong way, but the more important detail is that he is under contract through 2019, with a player option through 2020.

There is absolutely zero no rush to move him.

The Boston Celtics have been linked to Butler - most notably during last year's draft - but recent conversations have not gained much traction. Boston boasts cheap veteran talent and highly-coveted draft picks but it's tough to pry away a top-10 player like Butler.

If the offer changes, Chicago may have to reconsider.

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