The third time proved the charm.
After having serious talks with the Celtics last June and then several conversations at the February trade deadline, the Bulls took a deep breath and traded Jimmy Butler to the Timberwolves on Thursday night.
The blockbuster move, which netted the Bulls Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the seventh overall pick in exchange for Butler and No. 16, tries to steer the franchise toward the younger and more athletic course management has touted since last June's trade of Derrick Rose to the Knicks.
With the No. 7 pick, the Bulls drafted 7-foot Arizona forward Lauri Markkanen.
The trade also means the Bulls won't pay Butler, a three-time All-Star and All-NBA player, a designated-player exception of five years and $200-plus million beginning in 2019-20 that he would have been eligible for with one more All-NBA designation.
Coincidentally, the Bulls were enamored with Dunn last June, which is why the serious talks with the Celtics even occurred. The Bulls would have drafted the Providence guard with the No. 3 pick overall last June.
LaVine is rehabilitating a torn left ACL he suffered in February. But he's a high-flying talent who averaged 18.9 points in his first two seasons.
