The Celtics reportedly made a strong offer to acquire Bulls guard Jimmy Butler before the NBA trade deadline in February.

According to Steve Bulpett of Boston Herald, the Celtics were determined to acquire a "difference maker" to improve their playoff chances this season. One source indicated that the Celtics reached out to the Bulls about a deal for Butler, offering key future assets.

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The Celtics, who are currently third in the Eastern Conference at 37-25, were reportedly willing to include two first-round picks in the deal. The Celtics also offered at least one player.

The Celtics own the Nets' first-round pick this year, which is a valuable asset, considering the Nets currently have the fourth-worst record in the league. They also have Mavericks' pick, which is top-7 protected. Boston will likely take Dallas' pick since the Mavericks are currently on pace to make the playoffs.

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Another source told Bulpett the Bulls were not shopping Butler, who is playing in the first season of a five-year, $92.3 million contract. But like most teams, the Bulls listened to the offer because of the two valuable 2016 first-round picks.

"If Boston calls, you have to look at those picks and some of the players they have and at least hear them out," a source told The Boston Herald. "Most times when teams call about your star, you can just dismiss it right away, but you have to think about it with [team president Danny] Ainge and the Celtics right now. There's a lot to go over there with possibilities."

Aside from Butler, the Celtics were also linked to Pacers superstar Paul George. Trade rumors before the deadline suggested the Celtics were also interested in Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Love and 76ers rookie Jahlil Okafor.

Ainge is willing to pay the price to acquire a player who could turn them into a contender, another Boston Herald source added.

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