Jimmy Butler: Extension Not Close With Chicago Bulls
By Marcus Bass
The Chicago Bulls and guard Jimmy Butler have until midnight tomorrow (Oct. 31) to work out a contract extension. If a deal can’t be hammered out, Butler will become a restricted free agent next summer, allowing for teams to bid on his services while setting his value moving forward.
According to Chicago Tribune Bulls reporter K.C. Johnson, talks of an extension for Butler are not looking too good. There’s a significant gap between what the 25-year old-guard is asking for and what the Bulls front office is willing to part ways with.
It’s not uncommon for players on their rookie deals to forego a contract extension, and by no means does it suggest there’s a chance that Butler will be traded or won’t remain in a Bulls uniform next season. At least, no greater chance than there already is. As for right now, Butler will miss 2-4 weeks of play with a thumb sprain according to head coach Tom Thibbedeau.
Other players from the 2011 draft class are rumored to be less likely to accept extensions, instead electing to become restricted free agents. TNT’s David Aldrige reported Oklahoma City Thunder guard Reggie Jackson, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, and Butler are among those who might not get a deal done by the deadline.
Butler had a tremendous preseason, leading the Bulls in scoring. Isn’t it funny how players kick their game up a notch when it’s contract time? Entering his fourth year with the Bulls, Butler has career averages of 8.9 points and 1.1 steals per game. His 2013-14 season was his best as Butler kicked up his scoring to 13.1 points per game while stealing the ball 1.3 times. There’s definitely a market for his services, he’ll just have to wait until 2015 to know what he’s worth.
There’s still time to get a deal done, and it’s in Butler’s best interest to do so. The Bulls are a much improved team and with Derrick Rose back in the lineup in addition to a variety of offensive weapons such as Pau Gasol, Doug McDermott, Nikola Mirotic and crew, Butler might not get the amount of touches needed to make enough of an impression on the season. Last year he battled turf toe, which was his justification for what was an improved but still sub par season.
Butler might want to take the loot while it’s available.