Paul Requests a Trade

Butler had called to say hello to Tang Tian.

The very next day after they spoke, the relevant rumors broke.

The instant they surfaced, more than a dozen teams pounced.

This was Butler, a Second Team All-Defense selection who had just finished his Rookie Contract.

The Bulls management might have lost their minds, but the other teams had not!

After speaking with Dempsey, Tang Tian learned that the Pelicans were among the teams interested in Butler.

But before long, many teams backed out.

Because the Bulls' asking price was too high!

The return they demanded was either an equivalent star or a superstar-level young talent!

According to the information the Pelicans had received, the Bulls wanted either Jokic or Davis.

That was outright robbery!

When Tang Tian saw this, he understood that the Bulls management had not actually lost their intelligence.

Because Butler was a Restricted Free Agent, the Bulls could match any offer from another team.

In other words, while Butler was technically a free agent, he was essentially no different from a player still under contract, which was why the Bulls demanded such compensation.

After several rounds of negotiations, many teams gradually withdrew.

The Pelicans withdrew as well.

Davis and Jokic were untouchable, and the team could not trade either of them just to acquire Butler.

While negotiations for Butler were still ongoing, the Free Market completed several more signings.

Whiteside agreed to a two-year, 20 Million extension with the Heat, with the second year being a Player option.

Whiteside had recorded two triple-doubles last season, the first against the Heat, which left a deep impression on Pat Riley.

The Heat re-signed Dragic for five years and 90 million.

With the Mini Big Three of Dragic, Wade, and Whiteside, Riley's Offseason moves fully displayed why he was known