NBA Rumors: One executive says he would give Jimmy Butler a max deal

By Alex Schlinsky | Jul 2, 2014

Mar 9, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) is defended by Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls beat the Heat 95-88. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The NBA Free Agency period has a lot more to offer than LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh. In reality, all signs are pointing to the high likelihood that those players will return to the teams they opted out of their contracts with only a few weeks ago.

Regardless, NBA teams around the country are pitching their squads in order to court a superstar. Ultimately, however, all of the teams attempting to sign Carmelo or LeBron will find it difficult because of the money that the two players would be leaving on the table back in New York and Miami respectively.

More from NBA

Considering LeBron wants a max deal, and Carmelo certainly deserves one, it would be difficult for other teams to fit it in their budget while building a championship team around them.

With the salary cap being a huge factor into who goes where during free agency, it is interesting to note what teams are willing to pay more for players they desperately want to have or keep.

For instance, the Utah Jazz stated last week they would match any offer for Gordon Hayward, including a max deal. While Hayward is a solid all around player, it is definitely shocking to hear that the Jazz would be willing to offer a max deal for him.

What is even more shocking is that an NBA executive was recently quoted stating that he would give a maximum offer to Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler.

Butler played his best season last year in his third year with the Bulls, but most would agree he is not a max player. In 38 minutes a game, Butler averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds, and about three assists.