Report: Bulls SG Jimmy Butler plans to seek short-term contract
Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler plans to seek shorter-term offer sheets, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
Butler will enter restricted free agency after reportedly turning down a four-year, $40 million offer from the Bulls in October.
Chicago is expected to offer Butler a five-year, max-level extension on July 1. With the NBA salary cap set to rise greatly with the 2016–17 season, Butler is not looking to lock himself into a long-term deal this summer, according to the report.
As a restricted free agent, Butler will be able to sign an offer sheet with any team, but Chicago has the right of first refusal and can match any offer.
• JENKINS: Andre and the Giant: How one veteran slowed LeBron
The Los Angeles Lakers have been reported to be among several teams expected to pursue Butler.
Butler, 25, had a breakout season in 2014–15. He averaged 20 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists was named the NBA's Most Improved Player.
- Molly Geary
