Restricted free agent Jimmy Butler is reportedly "leaning strongly" to accepting the Chicago Bulls' five-year, $90 million maximum contract offer, ESPN's Marc Stein reports.
Hearing Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler is leaning strongly toward taking the five-year, $90 mil max Chicago offered as opposed to shorter deal
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 1, 2015
It was previously rumored that Butler, who won the NBA's Most Improved Player award this past season, was only interested in a short-term contract. The thinking was he wanted to re-enter free agency after the salary cap rose over the next few years to maximize his earning potential. But Chicago's maximum qualifying offer effectively eliminated any deal less than three years in free agency.
Butler gambled on himself when he rejected Chicago's $40-44 million extension offer before the 2014-15 season began. It turned out to be the right call as Butler enjoyed a breakout season, averaging 20 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while playing solid defense. No one expected play quite like that from the last pick in the 2011 NBA draft.
There are several teams interested in Butler in free agency, but the 25-year-old postponed all of his meetings when Chicago hit him with a full five-year max offer. RealGM's Shams Charania reports that the only way Butler will accept the deal is if it comes with a player option for the final season.
Either way, getting Butler back for the bulk of his prime is a big win for the Bulls and will help keep them competitive in new head coach Fred Hoiberg's first year with the team.
