Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) goes to the basket past Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Photo Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler is being reunited with his former coach in Tom Thibodeau.
Butler was reportedly dealt from the Chicago Bulls for guards Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn, plus the No. 7 overall pick during Thursday’s NBA draft, according to multiple outlets. ESPN reported the No. 16 overall pick is headed to Chicago.
Butler was the 30th overall pick by the Bulls in 2011 out of Marquette. He averaged a career-high 23.9 points last season as the Bulls were 41-41 and qualified for the postseason as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Thibodeau coached Butler from 2011 to 2015 before being fired. He joined the Timberwolves last season with the dual title of coach and head of basketball operations.
Butler and Thibodeau remained tight despite Thibodeau’s departure.
