Chicago Bulls’ swingman Jimmy Butler is exactly the type of player Bulls’ head coach Tom Thibodeau loves.
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Butler is a hard-nosed player who prides himself on the defensive end of the court. Of course, there are drawbacks to Butler’s game – he still isn’t much of an offensive player and may have even taken a step back on that end of the court last year. That has led to a lot of speculation about what kind of contracts Butler deserves and whether or not the Bulls will choose to extend him rather than letting him hit free agency.
Bulls’ general manager told Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago, among other reports, the Bulls and Butler have opened contract talks.
Gar acknowledges that Bulls have had conversations with Jimmy Butler's reps about an extension. Will continue to talk before season.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) September 29, 2014
This may be a good move by the Bulls. If they can extend him before the October 31 deadline, he won’t be able to test the market as a restricted free agent and potentially force the Bulls to decide if they are going to match an offer sheet worth the max.
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.
Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.
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