Bulls Expected to Give Butler Max Contract

Butler is having a breakout season. Photo Credit: Chris Humpreys/USA Today Sports

In the midst of his breakout season, Jimmy Butler of the Bulls looks like he will get a hefty payday from Chicago after all.

By: Michael Hanley (@Magic20099)

The Bulls swing man has taken his overall game to a new level this season. Everyone knew about his defensive prowess and ability to guard just about any player in the league. The unknown was what could Chicago get out of him on offensive side of the ball.

The work and dedication he put into that part of his game over last summer has paid of fin more ways than anyone outside of him and his family could have imagined. This was just not a little increase in his production on offense but a major step up, such a big step that he is now regarded as one of the best two way players the NBA has currently going right now.

Their was concern within the Bulls fan base that the inability for both Butler and the Bulls to come to an agreement on a new contract would come back to haunt the franchise this coming summer when other teams can come in and offer Butler a large deal, potentially cutting his career with Chicago very short.

The organization has come to realize the urgency and importance that having Butler be on the team long term will have, they are now proactively making steps to ensure he does not hit the open market. According to a report by  David Haugh (Chicago Tribune) the Bulls plan to give Butler that extension he has been looking for:   

Internally, the Bulls are planning to take a proactive approach to contract negotiations with Butler next July and secure the shooting guard for a long-term spot alongside Derrick Rose.

They fully expect to sign Butler to a max deal next July before another team even gets involved to tempt him with an offer sheet, which the CBA says they can after the moratorium ends. They accept that the size of Butler's contract will put the Bulls in position to pay the luxury tax, something Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf says he will do for a championship contender his team is.

The Bulls have always been very weary of going over the luxury tax line and the payments that come along with being over it, but this situation is one that overrides that thinking. Losing Butler  a homegrown player like him, one that has developed and grown into a big weapon for the team over money would signal to fans and media that the Bulls are not committed to winning at a championship level. 

Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf has agreed to go into the luxury tax to keep Butler knowing with him in the fold, the franchise can be a title contender not only for this year but for years to come.

Butler is averaging a stunning 21.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. His shooting overall has gone up a couple of notches as he is shooting 47.8 percent overall from the floor, including 35.1 percent from three point range.

Their is no way outside of acquiring LeBron James, can that sort of production be replaced. It is why wisely the Bulls will ensure Butler stays with the team for the foreseeable future.