Report: Bulls, Butler had positive meeting over future
The Chicago Bulls and Jimmy Butler made sure they were on the same page as they headed toward a summer of uncertainty.
Bulls executives met with Butler in Chicago on Monday to convey the message that they value the three-time All-Star and don't intend to move him, sources told K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
The feeling is mutual, as Butler fully intends to stay with the franchise that drafted him with the 30th pick in 2011. His contract sees him earn $19 million per year through 2020.
However, the front office will do their due diligence and listen to trade offers, similar to last year at the draft and earlier this season at the trade deadline. Butler drew significant interest across the league, with the most notable suitor being the Boston Celtics, who offered a bounty of draft picks.
The possibility of a trade, however, remains slim. Chicago plans to exercise the player options of both Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade to make yet another playoff push with the "Three Alphas." Moving Butler would cut sharply against this plan.
Butler posted a career season, averaging 23.9 point, 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.9 steals as he continues to blossom into an elite two-way wing.