NBA Rumors: Atlanta Hawks Eye Huge Jimmy Butler Contract; Dennis Schröder, Dwight Howard Get New Leader

By Doug Jackson
NBA: Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls
Mar 5, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) misses a dunk against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at the United Center.  Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The absence of Paul Millsap in the Atlanta Hawks roster seems to be taking a toll on the team. Despite the efforts of Dwight Howard and Dennis Schröder, the Kent Bazemore group has now fallen behind the Milwaukee Bucks of Giannis Antetokounmpo. With the 2017 NBA playoffs just right around the corner, the team now faces possible worsening situations as the Chicago Bulls of Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat of Hassan Whiteside and Indiana Pacers of Paul George press forward to make the cut. Should better rebuilding measures be done soon?

The entry of Dwight Howard in the Atlanta Hawks saw the exit of Al Horford to the Boston Celtics. As Dennis Schröder emerged as the team's new leader, a swift and surprising Kyle Korver contract to the Cleveland Cavaliers was announced. Now, the Kent Bazemore team faces a bleak 2017 NBA playoffs future - one that stands stark in comparison to their previous season when they were actually considered contenders to possibly unseat LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in the East. So, what could be the next move for the struggling Atlanta Hawks?

Rumors are rife that the Atlanta Hawks are moving assets in an effort to sign Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler by the offseason. Although the All-Star has been impressive in his recent games, the front office reportedly wants to revamp the roster. This measure was purportedly started when Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah was moved to the New York Knicks. Pau Gasol was eventually shipped to the San Antonio Spurs. Meanwhile, Taj Gibson and Doug McDermitt were sent packing to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hence, it no longer comes a surprise for some fans that a Jimmy Butler contract could be signed elsewhere soon.

Among the teams speculated to be interested in a Jimmy Butler contract include the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. However, many believe that the Atlanta Hawks could snap up the Chicago Bulls star to pair him up with budding leader Dennis Schröder. At this point though, no official comment has been made by the parties tagged in this rumor. This makes the possibility of a Jimmy Butler contract anywhere outside the Chicago Bulls still at the speculation stage.

For their part, the Chicago Bulls seem to be milking Jimmy Butler for all his worth this NBA season. In an interview with head coach Fred Hoiberg, he shared that his star player could be a candidate for MVP. If this is the case, then he would be up in the running against the likes of Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard.

"There's no doubt about [Butler being in the top five of the MVP conversation. A true sign of the MVP is what your team is without him. Look at our numbers when Jimmy is on the floor; we're really good," shared Hoiberg. And he makes other guys better. That's the thing this year with putting the ball in his hands as much as we have. He not only creates for himself, but he's making the right play and getting the ball to other guys and setting them up for easy shots.''

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories