[noaht23Participant]

The Bulls traded away Jimmy Butler in the offseason. However despite people saying the Bulls got robbed. Based off what we have seen far, it’s fair say they haven’t. First let’s go over the trade.

Bulls traded Jimmy Butler and 16th pick (Justin Patton) 

Timberwolves traded Zach Lavine, Kris Dunn, and 7th pick (Lauri Markkanen)

The Bulls are considerably worse without Butler. However the trade isn’t as bad as people think. Let’s start with Lauri. Lauri is currently averaging 14.7ppg 8.1rpg shooting 34% from the field 6.8 attempts per game. He has shown us that he can somewhat rebound one of his weaknesses going into the draft. Defense needs work. However he looks like a future star to me. Now let’s talk about Kris Dunn. After his rookie season some people were quick to write Dunn off as a bust. Now he was a horror to watch on offense. However on defense he was great. This season he has jumped from 3.8ppg 2.1rpg 2.4rpg on 37.7% field shooting, to 12.6ppg 4.8rpg 4.9apg on 42.9% field goal shooting. This season is also tied for 3rd in steals per game with 2.0. The two players he is tied with are Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook. Through four games in December he is averaging 14.8ppg 5.0rpg and 7.8apg. In the 3 wins the Bulls have this season he is averaging 17.7ppg 4.0rpg and 7.0apg. And we haven’t even seen Zach Lavine yet. So I don’t think the Bulls got robbed.

 

What do you think?

 

 

 

 

[Robb_CParticipant]

I believe this trade was a win-win for both the Wolves and Bulls.. Bulls knew Butler is pretty much Thibs pride and joy.. I think Lauri, Dunn and Lavine are great for Hoibergs offense..

Lauri is fundamentally lost in help and recover defense, Its almost hard to watch. I notice he takes man to man defense literally and completely loses his relation between the ball man and basket.. I think hes pretty good and disruptive in transition defense..  its that relation of knowing where to be when to cheat.. I hope in due time he learns because this was my knock on him…  You let him play let in games and he kills any chance of really closing out games.. GSW was completely taking advantage of him in the 2nd half..

The Bulls need to address this part of his game before it starts really being exposed.

 

 

[TomCaseyIVParticipant]

Both teams got what the wanted from this trade; but I think the Bulls got the better part of the deal bringing in two potential all stars (Lavine and Lauri) and the wolves got the veteran presence they wanted.

Also think Butler was addition by subtraction at this point.  You can see how much better the team is without him at this point  

 

 

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