Report: Bulls inquired about No. 3 pick with Sixers, offered Jimmy Butler

By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor

The Philadelphia 76ers are likely just hours away from completing their trade with the Boston Celtics to acquire the No. 1 overall pick in this Thursday's NBA draft. According to Stephen A. Smith, the Chicago Bulls reached out to the Sixers prior to their agreement with Boston in hopes of getting the No. 3 pick. Smith goes on to report that the Bulls were willing to unload superstar forward Jimmy Butler, but Philadelphia declined.

.@stephenasmith just said Bulls wanted #3 pick from Philly for Butler, now Celtics angling for Butler then Hayward. pic.twitter.com/ycSgrrrHhf

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 19, 2017

As HoopsRumors.com details, Chicago is likely to retain Butler as the Bulls asking price is very high.

Butler, 27, averaged 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists last season for the Bulls, who were defeated in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs by the Boston Celtics. Smith's comments on the potential proposal from the Bulls to the Sixers are somewhat questionable. For a star of Butler's status, one would imagine that it would take much more than just the No. 3 pick to acquire him. Butler was signed to a five-year, $95 million deal in July of 2015.

All signs are pointing towards the Sixers and Celtics trade becoming finalized today ahead of Thursday's draft. Philadelphia will sent Boston the No. 3 overall pick and a future first rounder ('18 LAL or '19 SAC) for the No. 1 pick this year. Reports have surfaced about Boston sending picks to Chicago to get Butler, which could be their next move after the trade with the Sixers is completed.