The Boston Celtics were linked to All-Star forward Jimmy Butler on numerous occasions, but a fear about how he'd coexist with the team's big offseason signing ultimately keeping them from pulling the trigger on a deal with the Chicago Bulls.

Boston reportedly had concerns about how Butler would mesh on the court, as well as personality-wise, with Gordon Hayward, sources told ESPN's Zach Lowe.

The blueprint this summer was to make a play at signing Hayward first, then jump right into the trade market with their long list of assets to acquire another superstar to play alongside him.

The Celtics also had their eyes on Paul George, but were too worried about him possibly leaving to join the Los Angeles Lakers next summer.

Weeks before Boston came to terms with Hayward, Chicago moved Butler and the rights to Justin Patton to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the rights to Lauri Markkanen.

There were reports that the Celtics were unwilling to part with either the No. 3 pick in the 2017 draft or the Brooklyn Nets' unprotected first-round pick in next year's draft to entice Chicago.

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said shortly after the Chicago-Minnesota trade that his talks with the Bulls "weren't really close," and the Timberwolves "gave up a lot" to land Butler.

The irony is that Ainge has received a lot of grief for what he gave up for Kyrie Irving, sending the Cleveland Cavaliers Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and the Nets' pick.