The Boston Celtics were unwilling to trade either the No. 3 overall pick in the 2017 draft nor the Brooklyn Nets' pick in 2018 to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Jimmy Butler.

The Bulls instead pivoted to trade Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves, acquiring the No. 7 pick, Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn.

Danny Ainge and the Celtics have long sought a superstar player, but continue to be reluctant to part with their assets.

The Celtics also plan on pursuing Gordon Hayward in free agency, which could have complicated their calculus on Butler.