Report: Celtics pursued Jimmy Butler at deadline
Add another name to the list of players Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge reportedly pursued prior to February's trade deadline.
The Celtics made a "strong move" to acquire Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler, according to the Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett. Boston was reportedly willing to part with the 2016 Brooklyn Nets first-round pick and 2016 Dallas Mavericks first-rounder in order to acquire Butler.
"This is not a case where Chicago was looking to trade Jimmy Butler," a source told Bulpett. "That would be crazy. But if Boston calls, you have to look at those picks and some of the players they have and at least hear them out. Most times when teams call about your star, you can just dismiss it right away, but you have to think about it with Ainge and the Celtics right now. There’s a lot to go over there with possibilities."
Besieged with injuries, the Bulls sit out of a playoff position after reaching the postseason every year since 2009. Butler has been Chicago's best player when healthy, although the 26-year-old is currently out with a strained knee.
Per that Boston Herald report that the Celtics targeted Jimmy Butler, told offer was of lowball variety and talks didn't advance.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 3, 2016
The addition of Butler would've given the Celtics a spark on both ends of the floor, producing one of the NBA's most lethal backcourts with All-Star Isaiah Thomas at point.
"The term I’ve heard with Danny is that he’s looking for a 'difference maker,'" a source told Bulpett. "He’s definitely willing to pay you for the right guy, but he wants someone who can move them to the next level."
Ainge reportedly also pursued Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Love, and Jahlil Okafor prior to the trade deadline.