NBA Rumors: Did Possible Jimmy Butler Trade Affect Celtics’ Chances Of Getting Kevin Durant?

Jul 15, 2016 09:48 AM EDT

According to rumors, the Boston Celtics would have had a chance of getting Kevin Durant if they were able to secure Jimmy Butler from the Chicago Bulls.

Before he announced his decision to go with the Golden State Warriors, Durant has been the target of various teams vying to get him, including the Celtics. However, as noted by rumors, Boston might have gotten a chance of getting Durant from the Oklahoma City Thunder if they were able to sign Butler.

That's because with Butler, the Celtics would have been able to create an ideal roster of athletes that could serve as an incentive for Durant, especially since they were able to sign Al Horford during free agency, according to NESN.

But, as the past couple of weeks have shown, none of this happened. Durant went on to join Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and the rest of the Warriors to form what is now being called a "super-team."

As for Butler, he has been the center of trade rumors for some time now. But, recently, it was reported that the Bulls have already taken him off the market.

For a couple of months now, it has been rumored that the Celtics have entered negotiations with the Bulls regarding a possible deal with Butler. However, according to insiders, it seems the Chicago franchise has changed its mind about letting him go.

However, according to Bulls general manager Gar Forman, the team never entertained offers from other franchises regarding the shooting guard. He noted that since the team greatly appreciates him, it's highly unlikely that the Bulls will trade him away.

"We have never made a call in regards to Jimmy Butler," he said according to CBS Chicago. "We've talked about we value Jimmy Butler, we're very happy to have Jimmy Butler. We've got a terrific basketball player who's an All-Star, an All-Star defender, is still young. Obviously, we've got him under contract long term."

"We've said this all along, we like Jimmy Butler," he added. "We did not shop Jimmy Butler. Did we receive calls? Of course we did, and that's our job to listen to calls."