The Chicago Bulls currently have a 2-1 series lead after Derrick Rose banked in a three pointer to give them a 96-99 victory over the Cavs. The Bulls are desperately trying to beat LeBron James and finally get over the hump after several failed attempts. Part of the reason they find themselves in this position is Jimmy Butler.
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The third year guard out of Marquette has been quite the surprise this season, which is why he was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player. He has been primarily known as a defensive specialist, but this season he showed he can do much more than just play defense.
Butler wanted a max extension this past summer, but the Bulls did not feel he was worth the max, so now he will enter free agency as a restricted free agent. According to Shams Charania of RealGM, the Lakers are reportedly ready to offer Butler a max contract this summer:
"Outside of Chicago, teams are already preparing possible maximum-salary offer sheets for Butler in free agency, including the Los Angeles Lakers as one of several expected suitors, league sources told RealGM. Even Butler’s college area connection, the Milwaukee Bucks, will have cap space in July. Around the league, there’s a question: How will Chicago handle the inevitable max out of a star player not named Rose?"
A player of Butler’s caliber is exactly what the Lakers need this off-season. Butler averaged 20 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists during the regular season. As stated earlier, Butler is one of the best perimeter lock down defenders in the NBA, so he brings the whole package.
The Bulls have not big spenders in the past, so it will be interesting to see if they match a max contract extension. Quite frankly, with Rose being so fragile, the Bulls need another star they can rely on. It would be foolish to let Butler walk, but if he does, the Lakers will be waiting with open arms. Many will be interested in Butler’s services, but the Lakers could be a perfect landing spot for an emerging superstar.