New Series: Breaking Down the Jimmy Butler Trade

Welcome to The Truda Report everybody. After spending the last 3 and a half days grieving over Chicago's loss of Jimmy Butler, I think I've been able to analyze enough of the trade to understand why it took place. Due to those reasons, I'll be breaking down the reasoning for the trade for the Bulls today, Timberwolves tomorrow, and I'll be giving my opinion of the trade Wednesday. Make sure to share this, and follow my Instagram @thetrudareport for updates on when I put up those articles.

The Trade:
The Chicago Bulls received last years 5th overall pick Kris Dunn, Zach Lavine, and this years 7th overall selection which was Lauri Markkanen. The Minnesota Timberwolves received 2 time All Star Jimmy Butler and the 16th overall selection which was Justin Patton.
 
Breaking Down the Trade:
Chicago Bulls:
For a lost Chicago Bulls organization who found themselves stuck in NBA purgatory, drowning in mediocrity season after season, this move finally gave them an identity. Although they had been avoiding a rebuild for years now, the Bulls front office finally realized it was time to lose for a year or two so they could start winning again soon after that. Due to this, gaining 3 young assets with untapped potential makes sense for a team entering a rebuild. 

Kris Dunn is going into his second year in the NBA with a lot of pressure on him. He only played around 17 mpg last year, averaging just 3.8 ppg. That is clearly not good enough, but that isn't why the Bulls traded for him. Dunn is a defensive monster, averaging 1 steal and half a block in those same 17 minutes. Once his playing time is close to doubled next year (which should be expected since the Bulls will more than likely tank), Dunn's defensive statistics will be off the charts, and his offensive numbers should improve too.

Zach Lavine, the former Dunk Contest Winner, has proven to be a great offensive weapon. His three point shot has improved (he averaged 2.6 threes per game last season on 38% shooting behind the arc), and we all know he can be explosive when headed to the rim. The problem is, though, Lavine tore his ACL last season, and knee injuries have not been kind to past explosive Bulls players *cough* Derrick Rose *cough*. He is a major risk, but having a good offensive guard to complement Kris Dunn's defensive prowess could be good for the Bulls in the years to come. Also, the three point shooting helps, since the Bulls were towards the bottom of the league in that category last year.

The last part of this trade for the Bulls was drafting Lauri Markkanen with the number 7 pick. Lauri is being called the "Finnish Unicorn" as a joke, but it actually is pretty accurate in terms of his play style. Just like Kristaps Porzingis (the Unicorn) Markkanen is a 7 footer with a quick, high release that can shoot the crap out of a basketball. Lauri has ridiculous range, more so than Kristaps, and he can be deadly in pick and pop situations. He, just like Zach Lavine, will add much needed three point shooting to the Bulls squad.

Overall, this trade gives the Bulls much needed youth, three point shooting, and direction. MAKE SURE TO READ MY PIECE ON MINNESOTA TOMORROW, AND THEN MY OPINION WEDNESDAY.

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