Chicago Bulls trade rumors: Bulls rumored to trade Butler for star center

With a lot of speculation entering the new year, the Chicago Bulls somewhat silenced critics after their first game in the 2016-17 season.

The Bulls picked up a few new veterans after letting go of other star players and Jimmy Butler was the sole face of the franchise. Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade's arrivals were met with questions marks, but it seems the Bulls are linked to a few more big moves that can drastically change how the franchise looks.

According to rumors, the Bulls may still move Butler away from them in a three-team deal that could send him to the Western Conference with the Sacramento Kings.

There are claims that there would be multiple players involved to make this move possible, with the Minnesota Timberwolves as the third team included.

It shows that the Bulls are going to give Butler and center Robin Lopez to the Kings, while Cousins will move to the Bulls.

For the Wolves, they are also going to give up one of their better players, Ricky Rubio, as he is also expected to move to the Bulls' roster, while Minnesota will get Rudy Gay from the Kings and Nikola Mirotic from the Bulls.

This could easily shake up the power rankings on both conferences as the Bulls may lose the speed and perimeter defense of Butler but gain one of the best centers in the league in Cousins.

For the Wolves, they will lose their veteran but they will get players Mirotic and Gay who can spread the floor and score at will.

However, this may be all speculation as Butler had a solid first game with the Bulls. In a 105-99 win over the Boston Celtics, Butler led the team with 24 points, seven rebounds and three assists. He is unlikely to be dealt unless the Bulls slump towards the middle of the season.