Jimmy Butler rumors: Chicago Bulls could extend Butler
With Chicago Bulls’ point guard Derrick Rose returning to the lineup, most believe swingman Jimmy Butler will show improvement on offense. If he does, he could command a very large salary because of his defensive prowess.
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Zach Lowe of Grantland believes the Bulls may have a window to ink Butler to a long-term deal.
"This is perhaps the perfect aggressive extension case — an elite wing defender who carried a ton of momentum into his third season and promptly watched his shooting fall into the toilet. Butler’s defense remained stout, and if Derrick Rose can help him rediscover his shooting touch, Butler will draw huge interest as a free agent in a league short on two-way wings.Chicago might have a window now to ink Butler on a long-term deal that wagers on a rebound but doesn’t carry the full cost of one. If Butler turns it down and plays well enough to draw a max offer sheet, the Bulls could shrug, sign it, and know they did their best to get a better deal."
The Bulls signed big man Taj Gibson early and that looks like it is paying off so they could do the same with Butler before he hits the market and draws big bucks.
Butler averaged 13.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 39.7% from the field, 28.3% from beyond the arc and 76.9% from the free throw line last season. The 30th-overall selection in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft has averaged 8.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 42.5% from the floor, 30.9% from three and 78.2% from the charity stripe in his three-year NBA career.
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