When Jimmy Butler bet on himself before the season, eschewing a contract extension in order to improve his market value, he didn't do so with designs on eventually leaving the Chicago Bulls.
Even when Butler was walking away from a reported four-year, $40-million contract, the 2014-15 Most Improved Player was clear he wanted Chicago to be home. With a maximum contract surely coming his way this summer, there appears to be little reason for Bulls fans to worry about losing their two-way stud.
Despite "winning" the bet he made on himself, Butler told reporters his thinking hasn't changed:
Do I feel like I won the bet? It's a tie. I think we both won. I did my job and what I was supposed to do, and I think they are happy with where I am right now.
This is a place for me. I love playing with the guys that we have. They continue to bring in great, high character guys that fit the team role. I love it here. I'm happy to be here.
None of this is particularly surprising. The Bulls can offer Butler an additional year, larger raises and more money than any other team, and with Butler firmly in max-contract territory, it's hard to imagine Chicago not locking him up quickly. Even if he were to sign an offer sheet elsewhere, Chicago could match the offer. The chances of him going anywhere are incredibly slim.
Besides, who would leave a fanbase that makes rap songs about you?
Bulls fan and YouTube rapper Froggy Fresh dropped a new track Saturday to help push the Bulls past the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The song, "Jimmy Butler is Your Father," includes lyrics about Butler locking down LeBron James, Butler causing James to go even balder from stress and James leaving Cleveland again when the Bulls prevent him from winning a title.
