Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler remained diplomatic when alerted to the Chicago Bulls’ general mediocrity after trading him in 2017.
Since the start of the 2017-18 season, the Bulls have won 275 games. That’s one fewer than the 276 victories they notched in the six years Butler was a member of the team.
The six-time All-Star called that “a helluva stat” when told after Golden State’s 123-91 blowout of Chicago on Sunday. He added he hopes the franchise’s fortunes can turn around.
Bulls fans don’t need to be reminded of how badly the front office erred when it simply didn’t judge Butler to be a foundational cornerstone. The organization has made the playoffs just once, while the 36-year-old regularly competed in the postseason and twice reached the NBA Finals with the Miami Heat.
Those in the Windy City are still waiting for the Bulls to turn the corner, and that wait is bound to extend indefinitely. Since an encouraging 6-1 start, Chicago has lost 13 of its last 16 games.
Butler and the Warriors, meanwhile, are firmly in the hunt in the Western Conference.