Jimmy Butler Says He Wants to Stay with Bulls Amid Lakers, Celtics Rumors

Chicago Bulls All-Star Jimmy Butler says he doesn't want to leave the only franchise he's ever played for.

During an appearance on Thursday's Jimmy Kimmel Live (via the Chicago Tribune's Phil Thompson), Butler was asked by Kimmel, "Why aren't you coming to the Lakers?"

"Because I love Chicago so very much," Butler responded. "They took a chance on me in 2011, so I'm forever grateful."

Butler has been the subject of trade speculation since February's deadline. Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported February 8 the Boston Celtics preferred a "more well-rounded" player like Butler than New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony if they were going to make a deal.

The Celtics ultimately stood pat, but they could emerge as a potential trade partner for Butler and the Bulls this summer with the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA draft in their back pocket.

NBC Chicago's Mike Adamle reported the Lakers and Bulls discussed a trade involving Butler during the season.

The Lakers' ability to pull off a trade for Butler seems more tenuous than the Celtics' because they don't have a deep talent pool to pick from and may not be inclined to deal the No. 2 pick in the draft.

Butler has two more guaranteed years left on his contract and is a relative bargain at $36.2 million during that span, per Spotrac. He averaged a career-high 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 76 games last season.