Butler Rejects Bulls' Offer But Leaves Door Open
(CBS) Contract talks between Bulls wing Jimmy Butler and the team have broken down, with Butler rejecting what's believed to be the Bulls' final extension offer Friday morning, Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported late Friday afternoon.
Still, in a pregame press conference, Butler didn't close the door to a deal getting done before the midnight ET/11 p.m. CT deadline.
"I did," Butler said when asked if he thought a deal would get done Friday. "I still think it will, to tell you the truth."
"We got until 11:59," Butler added.
Those words came in the aftermath of Butler telling Yahoo Sports earlier Friday that he wanted to "bet on myself." If he doesn't sign an extension tonight, Butler will become a restricted free agent next offseason and would likely command a bigger deal with a strong 2014-'15 season.
The Bulls would have the right to match any offer by another team.
Butler was adamant in that he wants to remain in Chicago long term.
"The whole city, this is home for me," Butler said.
"I love it here. This is where I want to be. I love my teammates, the fan base, the organization."
Butler also added he believes one way or another, he'll end up in Chicago.
"I think I will still end up in this city, whether it's done tonight or next summer," Butler said.
Butler added he doesn't take the negotiations personally, saying, "I understand its a business."
Yahoo Sports didn't report exact figures, but Butler and the Bulls were $2.5 million apart annually earlier Friday, the Tribune's K.C. Johnson reported. Utah guard Alec Burks received a four-year, $42-million deal earlier Friday, and Charlotte guard Kemba Walker got a four-year, $48-million deal earlier in the week. Butler's value was considered to be in the ballpark of those two.
Butler's agent, Happy Walters, had some strong words for the Bulls.
"All the (rookie extension) deals done so far have shown that teams are building around their stars of the future, and they're compensating those players as such," Walters said, according to Yahoo Sports. "I was under the impression Jimmy was also viewed as one of those future building blocks with the Bulls.
"We tried like heck to get something done, but ultimately, the Bulls wanted a 'hometown' discount."
The 25-year-old Butler averaged 13.1 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting just under 40 percent last season. He's considered one of the league's top perimeter defenders.
Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau sidestepped a question on if he'd be disappointed to see Butler hit restricted free agency next summer.
"It's all part of the process," Thibodeau said. "He's earned the right.
"Jimmy's in a great position. He's done a heckuva job for us. It will work itself out."