Bulls reportedly telling teams they will keep Jimmy Butler>>>

The Chicago Bulls have reportedly been listening to offers for Jimmy Butler, but it sounds like they are telling teams the chances of moving him are slim to none.

According to A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com, the Boston Celtics are among the teams who have inquired about Butler but have been told the Bulls plan to “keep him in the fold” for now.

And while there was some thought that a top-3 pick coupled with a few decent players might be enough to entice the Bulls to pull the trigger on a deal to trade Butler, CSNNE.com has been told such an offer would have to include at least one “legitimate, NBA starter” for the Bulls to even possibly consider trading him.

“And that might be a stretch,” the source indicated.

Any deal involving Butler to Boston from Chicago’s perspective would most likely have to include Jae Crowder, who is one of the best bargains in the NBA – and will be so for years to come.

The Celtics are said to be looking to acquire a superstar player like Butler so they can convince Kevin Durant to sign with them. Butler signed a max contract extension last summer and averaged 20.9 points per game this season, which was a career high. While you would think he is the type of player the Bulls would want to build around, there have been more than a few reports that claim Butler is having problems with his teammates in the locker room.

Even if the Bulls want to deal Butler, downplaying his availability will only increase his trade value.