Fansided

NBA free agency 2015: Top 5 signings in first week

By Matt Verderame

Oct 30, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) reacts against the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena. New York won 95-90. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) reacts against the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena. New York won 95-90. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Apr 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) reacts after making a three-point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) reacts after making a three-point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls

While Butler was not likely to go anywhere because he was still a restricted free-agent, give the Chicago Bulls credit for stepping up and making sure of it. Butler is absolutely worth the five-year, $90 million deal he was given earlier this week, showcasing his skills on both the offensive and defensive side of the floor in 2014-15. Butler is similar to Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs, who also got a contract of the same value.

With Derrick Rose not being the same player he once was after multiple knee injuries (and a constant worry to get hurt again), the Bulls needed someone they could rely on throughout the 82-game haul. Butler gives them that and then some, presenting opponents with a player who can guard your best wing and score 20 points on a consistent basis.

Chicago could have tried to play the situation out with Butler, but wisely chose to lock him up. With TV money coming soon to the NBA, and ballooning the salary cap in the process, Butler proved he wanted to be with the Bulls by passing up a potentially larger deal for the comfort of guarantees. At 25 years old, Butler could be one of the better bets of the summer by any front office.

Last year, Butler averaged 20 points per game along with 5.8 rebounds, giving Chicago some pizzazz behind Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah. While the Cavaliers remain the best team in the East, the Bulls would have no chance to compete with LeBron James and company if they didn’t keep Butler long-term.

Next: Love is in the air

Home/NBA Free Agency