For some time now, big names have been linked to the Oklahoma City Thunder even though they are unofficially searching for Russell Westbrook's new partner. But perhaps the help they need will not arrive until the middle of the season, and in a possible scenario, it might be All-Star guard Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls. 

In a trade suggestion, the Thunder will pursue Butler in the regular season. The 27-year-old parting ways with the Bulls is possible considering that in the off-season, there were a few times a deal for him could have materialized. 

The Thunder are shipping Alex Abrines, Steven Adams, Cameron Payne, Andre Roberson and a 2017 first-round pick to Chicago for Butler. These might be enough for the Bulls to say "yes."

However, for this to take place, the Bulls should struggle in the 2016-17 National Basketball Association (NBA) season. Once they do, they are likely to participate in deals and trading Butler is always an option.  

If the Bulls are having a successful run, there is no reason for them to break the trio they currently have which features Butler, Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo. 

However, a Butler-Westbrook tandem will be interesting to witness, especially in today's league where super teams rule. The potential backcourt partnership is expected to be the main weapon for the Thunder in the post-Kevin Durant era. 

But a major question if this happens is can Butler and Westbrook co-exist? Both have experienced being the star of their respective franchises. If they do, then it is great for the Thunder. 

There are instances in the NBA where a number of stars played on one team and it ended in a disaster. A perfect example was Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2012-13 season. 

As of the moment, there is no need to worry for the Thunder since they are moving on from Durant with Westbrook as their main guy.