Chicago Native Linked To Bulls In Recent Trade Rumor

Well folks, the craziness has officially begun. It's a beautiful Wednesday afternoon here in Chicago and, in case you forgot, it's not just the summer solstice that makes today the longest day of the year. We are just over 24 hours away from the NBA draft and, as expected, there are rumors aplenty -- hot as the season they're ushering in. Happy summer everyone. Happy NBA off-season. As of now, even the most casual Bulls fan has heard the rumors swirling around Jimmy Butler. BUT, just in case you're one of the few who isn't privy to these aforementioned rumors allow me to fill you in... Our beloved Jimmy Butler may be on his way out. However, as sure as the fact tonight we'll enjoy the latest sunset of the year, the rumors continue to grow as the day is long. Enter Chicago native Patrick Beverley.

Welcome Home?

Once upon a time, Beverley, now a very serviceable point guard well known for his defensive prowess, was (believe it or not) lighting up W. Adams St. to the tune of 37 points per game around the corner at John Marshall Metropolitan. Nowadays, the Houston point guard, who actually started his professional career playing in Ukraine, may find himself in familiar territory. Still wearing red, but not any red. Bulls red. Originally reported by Sportingnews.com -- Houston, now an offensive powerhouse under the tutelage of run and gun wizard Mike D'Antoni, is reportedly shopping the 28-year-old point guard in hopes to clear cap space to possibly lure Chris Paul out of L.A. or Kyle Lowry from the far north. The goal? To have a punching chance against the behemoth that is the Golden State Warriors. Duh. So, where do the Bulls come in? Well, they happen to have cheap trade pieces that would likely make such a deal possible, as detailed below by Sean Highkin of @TheAthleticChi.

If Butler is truly leaving, Beverley would surely help to fill the defensive void left by his departure. However, in the event the Bulls lose their All-Star wing. Beverley, along with likely another cap space casualty such as Trevor Ariza, may help to keep the Bulls from being completely irrelevant, albeit still mediocre. Be sure to continue following Sports Mockery as details continue to unfold.