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Rajon Rondo: Bulls are Jimmy Butler’s team

New Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo says the team belongs to Jimmy Butler, not Dwyane Wade.
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New Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo says that no newcomer will unseat Jimmy Butler, who has played in Chicago for five years, as the team’s go-to player. Not even three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade.

“Obviously, it’s Jimmy’s team,” Rondo said at his introductory press conference on Thursday. “Jimmy, Wade and then whatever after that.”

After Chicago shipped Derrick Rose to the Knicks in exchange for Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon and Jerian Grant, the team made a splash by agreeing with Rondo on a two-year, $28 million deal. Four days later, they agreed to a two-year deal with Dwyane Wade.

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The departure of Rose initially opened the door for Butler to be the new leader of the Bulls, but the acquisition of two established veterans muddled things. Rondo’s words are an attempt to clear that issue up.

– Kenny Ducey