Butler is a 3 time all star having his best season to date. The featured player on his team. Sure, a draft pick has a chance to be an all star. Even a draft pick like a rookie LeBron didn't turn the Cavs (with Boozer and Ilgauskas) into even a .500 team. If we want to win later, that's the right play. If we're already championship contenders, it's how to infuse young talent a few years down the road to keep it going. Butler may leave when his contract is up. If he indicates he doesn't want to be in Portland, I wouldn't make the trade. I'm guessing he'd like our upside better than the Lakers', which is the team he wanted to go to as a RFA.
Denny is a Bulls fan. No doubt he'd want 3 first rounders + CJ to even talk about Butler being traded. Surprised he didn't say CJ + Lillard + 3 first rounders for Butler & whoever is needed to make salaries match. Portland isn't trading CJ for Butler as it's a lateral move and doesn't move Portland into contention. This is the classic example of making a move, just to make a move.
The rumored offer by the Celtics was Smart, Bradley, and Crowder. The Bulls wanted the Nets' pick as well, the Celtics said no. Gives you an idea of what the Bulls want. Three picks out of the lotto won't do it. Not even close. http://hardwoodhoudini.com/2017/01/21/61246/
