The Cleveland Cavaliers don't have a general manager at the moment, but they're still in discussions to make a blockbuster trade this offseason.
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According to CSN Chicago, the Cavaliers are one of a handful of teams attempting to trade for Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler. The Cavs and Bulls were deep into trade talks before Cleveland decided not to renew general manager David Griffin's contract.
The Boston Celtics are also in the mix for Butler, as well as the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets. But one NBA executive believes this is a two-team race for Butler.
"It's either Boston or Cleveland but he's going," the executive said.
Related: Boston Celtics reasoning for blockbuster trade reportedly an effort to acquire two NBA All-Stars
The Celtics have plenty of assets to acquire Butler, including the No. 3 overall pick this year and two potential high draft picks next year. According to the report, the Celtics turned down a straight up swap of the No. 3 overall pick for Butler.
It's unclear what the Cavs could offer for Butler. The Bulls would want to rebuild, so they would be far more likely to want the Celtics' draft picks rather than whatever player Cleveland could offer.
If the Cavs do want to make a deal for Butler, they might have to include a third team so the Bulls could get draft picks. Cleveland might be forced to part ways with the likes of former All-Star forward Kevin Love.
Butler has two years remaining on his contract, so acquiring him will be more difficult than trading for Paul George. George will be a free agent after next season, and he has made it clear he wants to play for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Between now and Thursday's NBA Draft, expect plenty of trade rumors involving Butler, George, the Cavaliers and the Celtics.
(h/t CSN Chicago)
