The Chicago Bulls have every intention of retaining Jimmy Butler for the long-term, but it remains to be seen if he feels the same way. Butler has stressed that he likes Chicago and wants to come back, but he and the Bulls might be on two different sides when it comes to contract talks. That and the reported animosity with Derrick Rose could force unexpected offseason moves.
According to the Chicago Sun Times, Butler and Rose are having a hard time co-existing on the court together. While Rose sat out with an injury, Butler became a super star. So when the point guard returned at full health, things were reportedly not so great as a power struggle began. This was noticeable in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals as Butler stopped giving the ball away and Rose just became a bystander. Will this force a player out of the mix?
Check here for more from Pro Basketball Talk on possible tension between Rose and Butler.
Rumors of a deal have swirled in the past when the point guard was not healthy, but Rose proved that he can return to his old playing ways just fine when not riddled with injuries. That chances the Bulls trade Rose are slim to none. He is the franchise player regardless of the star Butler is becomes. So, does that mean Butler is the player out?
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Butler does not want a long-term contract this offseason. Instead he is eyeing a short-term offer sheet in order to capitalize with the NBA salary caps increase following the tv deals. Wojnarowski is reporting that Butler is eyeing a move to the Lakers where he would presumably become the star of the show especially after Kobe Bryant departs. The Bulls do not intend on letting that happen as they do have the upper hand in the situation.
The players that are facing more uncertainty in their future are Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson along with Mike Dunleavy and Aaron Brooks. The Sun Times is reporting that the Bulls will explore the trade market for both Noah and Gibson to determine who can get the better return package and help clear salary cap space. Dunleavy and Brooks could also be cap casualties this offseason.
