The only thing more improved than Jimmy Butler this season may be Jimmy Butler's bank account this summer.
In fall, Butler eschewed an extension on his rookie scale contract, deciding instead to play out his fourth season with the Chicago Bulls before entering restricted free agency. He is said to have turned down a four-year, $40-million extension in order to bet on himself, as he said; a gamble that's going to pay off handsomely.
Since turning down the offer, he has emerged as one of the game's breakout stars. Already known as a defensive ace on the perimeter, Butler has exploded as an offensive weapon, averaging 21.4 points with a 21.8 player efficiency rating - huge gains on his career marks. His growth in the pick-and-roll and as an individual creator has been remarkable, and there's little question he's a player worthy of a maximum contract.
The Bulls realize that, and are ready to cut the check, according to David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune:
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.
Chicago has an enormous upper hand on retaining Butler, and if they're willing to offer him the max right out of the gate, there's not much reason for him to negotiate elsewhere. The Bulls can offer him the most money and match any outside offer, and Butler's been adamant he wants to stay in Chicago.
Chicago paying into the luxury tax would be moderately surprising given their history, but they're very close to being a championship contender - if they're not already. It's also possible they could wiggle back under the tax line after locking Butler up. In any case, the team being willing to go to the max - a deal that would start at $15.9 million using current estimates - is a major positive for the fanbase.
