Butler's Extension, Playing Status Both In Doubt
By Cody Westerlund-
(CBS) Bulls wing Jimmy Butler is a gametime decision for tonight's contest against the Cavaliers at the United Center as he recovers from a sprained left thumb.
Butler participated in Friday's morning shootaround with a wrap on his left thumb.
"We'll see tonight," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. "He practiced yesterday, was a little better today. We'll see where he is tonight."
Butler missed Chicago's season opener Wednesday and hasn't played since suffered the injury on Oct. 19. If he can't play, Kirk Hinrich will likely start in his place and Mike Dunleavy will likely have a primary role in defending Cleveland star LeBron James.
"You're not going to guard him individually," Thibodeau said of James. "It's the entire team."
As Butler receives treatment in an effort to play tonight, his representatives are in contract extension talks with the Bulls. If a deal isn't reached by 11 p.m. tonight, Butler will become a restricted free agent next offseason.
The most recent reports have Butler and the Bulls still a few million dollars apart on an annual basis, with the Tribune's K.C. Johnson reported they were $2.5 million apart annually. Jazz wing Alec Burks received a four-year deal worth at least $42 million and up to $45 million with incentives on Friday, ESPN.com reported. Butler's worth would seem to fall into a similar range. Butler is likely asking for more, with a few reports indicating it may take $12 million a year for the Bulls to get to sign him to an extension now.
Butler declined to comment to reporters Friday morning, with a team official saying he'll talk postgame tonight.
"His approach has been really good," Thibodeau said. "He's letting his agent handle that."
Cody Westerlund is a sports editor for CBSChicago.com and covers the Bulls. Follow him on Twitter @CodyWesterlund.
