Chicago Bulls’ swingman Jimmy Butler has clearly become one of head coach Tom Thibodeau’s favorite players. The Bulls selected Butler with the 30th-overall selection in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft and he has earned more and more playing time every year. Now, the Bulls are talking to Butler’s camp about an extension. The two sides have until October 31 to work out an extension or Butler will become a restricted free agent in 2015.
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Joel Brigham of Basketball Insiders explains why the Bulls should try to re-sign Butler now.
"They’re certainly going to try, because an extension at $9-10 million right now is going to look like a bargain compared to what he’d get on the open market, which the Bulls could definitely not afford to match. There’s definitely a possibility that he’d get a max offer (or close to it) if that were the case, so they want to keep him, but they’ll have to extend him on the “cheap” to do that. If he hits free agency (which I can see him wanting to do), he’s probably a goner. Two way three/D guys like that are so valuable in today’s NBA."
Brigham is absolutely right – signing Butler now would likely save money. Of course, Butler and his camp know that as well.
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. In his three-year NBA career, he 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.
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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