The Chicago Bulls tried and failed to get a deal done with Jimmy Butler before the extension deadline, but that doesn’t mean the forward wants to test free agency.
When the Chicago Bulls and Jimmy Butler failed to agree on a contract extension, it was looking like the two sides would part way or that the risk of such a thing happening very much existed. That doesn’t appear to be the case though, as no deal at the deadline doesn’t mean there won’t be a deal in the future.
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According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Butler is scoffing at the notion that he was chasing money with his contract negotiations and fully expects to be back with the team next year.
"“People say I’m chasing money when that’s not it — yeah, get your mic closer — that’s not it, because I’m going to be in Chicago,’’ Butler said Saturday. “I’m not worried about it. I say that with a smile on my face because I know that for a fact. We’ll resume [negotiations] in July.’’"
Butler went on to say that no matter whether or not a deal got done, Chicago is his home and he expects to be back in 2015.
"“Yeah, [the deadline is] over with, but this is still home, these are still my guys,’’ Butler said. “This is the team I want to be on, this is the city I want to represent. So I’m happy, and I’ll be happy for a long time.’’"