Chicago Bulls fans were hoping that Jimmy Butler would sign an extension with the team but that won’t be happening until the offseason now.
The Chicago Bulls were hoping to get something done with Jimmy Butler before the extension deadline at midnight, but that won’t be happening. There is still time left to get a deal done, but the Bulls had a deadline before their game tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Butler did not budge.
More from Chicago Bulls
- NBA Rumors: Warriors, Lakers among contenders for key free agent
- 3 players Bulls can sign with Disabled Player Exception
- NBA free agency: The 3 biggest losers in this offseason so far
- The new NBA flopping rules explained
- 5 players Sixers could acquire in Harden deal to stay competitive
According to Adrian Wojnarowski from Yahoo! Sports, the Bulls and Jimmy Butler weren’t able to reach a contract number they could settle on as the forward wants to bet on himself.
"Butler rejected the Bulls’ final offer on Friday morning and plans to enter into restricted free agency in July.“It came down to me deciding that I want to bet on myself,” Butler told Yahoo Sports in a text message on Friday. “It was about me believing that I put the work in this summer to become a better player with the hope that my improvement will give the Bulls a better chance to win a championship.”"
This doesn’t mean that Butler is going to be in Chicago next year or in the future, but the team is going to have to pay a pretty penny to keep him. Butler rejected an offer of over $11 million per season, which would have paid him around $44 million. Instead, he’s eyeing a deal in the range of $15 million which would have a payout of around $60 million.
Chicago will not max out Butler but he wants to get paid for the growth he’s had and the bright future that lies ahead of him. Chicago will either have to put up or let him walk, and you can bet Butler will come out blazing against the Cavaliers to prove his point.
More from FanSided
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- LA Galaxy vs. Club Leon Leagues Cup match rescheduled for July 26