Jimmy Butler Rumors: Cavaliers Reportedly Notified SG Wants to Stay with Bulls

The Cleveland Cavaliers are still "seriously interested" in trading for Jimmy Butler, but the Chicago Bulls swingman would reportedly prefer to stay in the Windy City with two guaranteed years left on his contract.

Citing sources, ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported Tuesday "the Cavaliers have been notified that Butler hopes to stay with the Bulls and would be reluctant to commit his long-term future to Cleveland."

CSN Chicago's Vincent Goodwill first reported Tuesday that Butler "has made it known he wants to stay in Chicago and doesn't want to be moved" even though the Bulls are actively shopping him in advance of Thursday's draft.

"It's either Boston or Cleveland but he's going," a league executive texted Goodwill.

Stein also reported the Cavaliers are still chasing Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George.

However, the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be leading the charge for George—who reportedly covets a union with the Purple and Gold, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Stein and the Los Angeles Times' Brad Turner have reported the Lakers are pitching the Pacers on a potential deal that would send pick Nos. 27 and 28 along with either Jordan Clarkson or Julius Randle to Indiana in exchange for George.

The Cavaliers, meanwhile, reportedly need to rope in a third team to make a trade work since the Pacers are eyeing a high lottery pick Cleveland doesn't have access to.

News of Butler's desire to stay in Chicago comes the same day Dwyane Wade reportedly informed the Bulls he will pick up his $23.8 million player option for the 2017-18 season, per Goodwill.