Jimmy Butler’s future with the Chicago Bulls has been under question ever since he signed his first big contract with the team that drafted him. Bulls’ management has not done an effective job of building a contender around their superstar wing.
There has been rampant trade speculation around Butler with rumors that he does not get along with teammates, coaches, or the front office. As it stands now, nothing seems imminent but there have definitely been active discussions regarding his future in Chicago.
Of note, Butler and the Bulls had an end-of-season meeting on Monday and it seems to have gone well. Following via K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, whose source described the meeting as “positive”:
Management has been consistent with its message to Butler, the subject of trade rumors both last June and this February. Executive vice president John Paxson has said the franchise greatly values their three-time All-Star, isn’t looking to trade him but has to listen to any interest out of due diligence.
Butler has been consistent with his feelings as well — that he wants to not only remain with the Bulls but win with the Bulls and be a centerpiece of that effort.
Butler recently reiterated that he wants to stay with the Bulls and win there. This is a good sign for Chicago but it puts the onus on the front office to build a strong roster around Butler. He’s saying all the right things now but in two years when he’s a free agent (if he doesn’t sign an extension next year), if the Bulls haven’t figured out how to contend, he could seek greener pastures.
