NBA Chicago Bulls

Opportunity For Big Contract Extension Fueling Jimmy Butler’s Fast Start To Season For Chicago Bulls

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By @NickCWilder

Chicago Bulls Jimmy Butler

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls’ front office and guard Jimmy Butler were in lengthy and civil contract negotiations throughout the 2014 preseason. The former Marquette star had the option of signing a contract extension with the team prior to the Oct. 31 deadline, or play the season out and enter restricted free agency this upcoming summer. The Bulls were reportedly offering a $10-$11 million per year extension to Butler.

The defense-first swingman rejected the offer, and decided to bet on himself to improve this season and earn a bigger contract after the year. It was a wise decision on Butler’s part, especially with the salary cap set for a huge increase in the upcoming years due to the NBA’s massive new national TV contract.

In addition, seeing players such as Eric Bledsoe and Gordon Hayward ink big restricted free agency deals last summer, which will play Bledsoe $14 million and Hayward $15.75 million annually, was certainly on Butler’s mind when negotiating with Chicago. He’s not the same caliber of player when compared to those two currently, but if he improves overall this season, specifically his offensive game, he will likely earn a contract around that range.

He’s only played five games so far this season, but Butler is showing that he put a ton of work into his game over the summer and has already displayed huge signs of improvement. He’s currently averaging 19.6 PPG, 3.8 APG, 6.2 RPG and a PER of 22.26, all while playing superior defense and with an injured left thumb. Butler’s been the team’s most consistent player, along with veteran Pau Gasol, and a major reason for the team’s 5-2 start.

Also, the more time he has to work in the backcourt with Derrick Rose, the more his game will evolve. Butler has never been able to share the court consistently with Rose due to the former MVP’s devastating knee injuries. Rose is now dealing with minor ankle injuries to start the year, but when he is able to get back on the court regularly, Butler will have the luxury of more open shots and additional fast break opportunities.

Reportedly, the Bulls have been consistent with the notion that they will match any offer Butler will receive following the season. Similarly, Butler has stated that he will remain in Chicago as a Bull for the foreseeable future. The team would have zero cap room to replace Butler should they not match any opposing team’s offer, so it remains likely these two will get a contract done after the season.

We’re only two weeks into the season, but his difficult decision to turn down the guaranteed money that Chicago offered in late October appears to be the correct choice on multiple fronts. The golden opportunity to grow this season and earn a larger contract after the year has clearly been the driving force in his excellent start to the season.

Nick Wilder is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickCWilder and add him to your network on Google. 

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