What would a reunion between Jimmy Butler and the Chicago Bulls look like?

Could Jimmy come back?

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Butler and the Chicago Bulls were a match made in heaven. Butler, the 30th pick from the 2011 NBA Draft, went from being an afterthought as a rookie to becoming a six-time All-Star and a five-time All-NBA player. During his six seasons in Chi-town, he embodied the city's hard-nosed mentality and was instrumental in helping the Bulls become Eastern Conference contenders after Derrick Rose suffered his career-altering injury.

However, the marriage ended as Butler was sent to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a deal that involved Zach LaVine. While Butler has gone on to reach new heights with the Miami Heat, leading them to NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023, the Bulls have been stuck in mediocrity, even failing to reach the Playoffs last season.

Greg Swartz recently imagined what it would be like if some NBA stars actually returned to the teams that first drafted them. As presently constructed, the Bulls sure could use Butler's ferocity to light a fire from under the players and the franchise in general.

What it would look like

If Butler returned to the Bulls, he would join a perimeter-heavy attack that also has ball-dominant players like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. Swartz proposed that Butler play the point guard position as he often shoulders the playmaking duties with the Heat.

"With LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, this is a wing-heavy Chicago side that ranked fifth overall in defense last season (112.5 rating). We'd likely see a lot of Butler running point guard for the Bulls, which are still without an answer at the position as they wait for Lonzo Ball's possible return in 2024-25," Swartz wrote.

What are the chances of this happening?

While all kinds of deals are possible in the NBA, it would be reasonable to consider this scenario as a distant hope for the Bulls and their fans. With all the discussions surrounding the Heat's culture, it is essential to acknowledge that Butler embodies the very essence of it. With strict dedication, he ensures that everyone remains disciplined and accountable.

"Chicago can dream, but Butler seems destined to stay in Miami, possibly for the remainder of his career," Swartz added.