Woj: JFB would reject max offer

[brewcity77]

The Bulls can match anything. He'll be in Chicago next year.

Jimmy doesn't want a long-term contract this summer. He'll likely be doing this again next year.

Nah, he'll probably sign a 3-year deal, 2 at the minimum.

[mr.MUskie]

Report: Jimmy Butler wants to sign impossible 1-year deal with Lakers
Blake MurphyJun 29 2015, 9:16 AM
Jimmy Butler has always fervently believed in himself, enough so that he now seems to think he can circumvent the collective bargaining agreement.

While the Chicago Bulls restricted free agent has been adamant that he wants to remain with the team, he's now hoping to head elsewhere, according to Mark Medina of Los Angeles Daily News. Specifically, Butler would like to land with the Los Angeles Lakers, and do so on a one-year deal.

From Medina:

Lastly, Chicago forward Jimmy Butler hopes to take his talents elsewhere and take advantage of the new television deal after his career year coincided with Tom Thibodeau's firing and Derrick Rose's chemistry issues. Although Butler wants to sign a one-year deal with the Lakers, according to a league source familiar with his thinking, the Bulls are expected to match any offer for the restricted free agent.
This jibes with reports from earlier in June that Butler wanted to seek a short-term maximum offer sheet in order to quickly re-enter free agency in a more advantageous market after the salary cap has exploded. It also continues to fuel speculation that Butler and Derrick Rose aren't exactly BFFs, an idea the organization has continued to try to dispel.

The primary incongruity in the report is that Butler can't sign a one-year max deal with the Lakers. An offer sheet to a restricted free agent has to be at least two years, and it has to be at least three years if the Bulls give Butler a maximum qualifying offer, as expected. Even if the Lakers offered him the short-term max, the Bulls have the option to match any offer.

Butler's agent is probably trying to get some leverage with this kind of report, though it may be fruitless - the Bulls have no incentive to give Butler a shorter deal unless they have to match an offer.

The only recourse Butler has for getting out of Chicago within the next three seasons is to play out the season on his $4.4-million qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. That's an incredibly risky move - it leaves an estimated $86.5 million in guaranteed money on the table - but Butler's rolled the dice on himself before, and here he is, on the precipice of an enormous payday.

The league's Most Improved Player this season, the 25-year-old Butler averaged 20 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 steals while playing aggressive and disruptive perimeter defense. He's worthy of a maximum contract, and should he take the risk and remain healthy for 2015-16, he'll be worth the appreciably larger maximum next summer.

[mu03eng]

Jimmy, along with LJ, Love, etc are all going to try and do 1 year deals.  I'm betting James resigns with Cleveland but for 2 years at most.  Their agents can read the CBA like everyone else and know what's in the new TV deal....salary caps are going to explode in a year or two and you want to be a free agent when that happens.

JFB will resign with the Bulls, but for a 1 or 2 year deal.  He will get PAID in 2017.

[JuniorCardigan]

I think its funny how signing a one year contract with a garbage team is some sort of threat that players use now. Especially one that a restricted free agent uses.

What is it with some of these guys and the Lakers? Is it the LA market? Is it Kobe?

[brewcity77]

The Bulls will offer Butler the maximum tender. That's a given. Any deal for him will have to be for at least 3 years. As the headline says, "Jimmy Butler wants to sign impossible 1-year deal with the Lakers". He may want that, but it won't happen because the Bulls tender offer will make any 1-year deal against league rules.

Butler's only chance at getting out of Chicago is if the Lakers can put together a 3-year poison pill deal so steep that Chicago can't match it (similar to what Houston did with Omer Asik). But again, it will be a 3-year deal, not a 1 or 2 year deal.

Jimmy bet on himself and won, but he won't be able to make a similar bet until 2018, by which time everything in Chicago will be different, primarily that Derrick Rose will likely be gone.

[GGGG]

But a poison pill is going to be backloaded, and the cap is going up so much the year after next that I don't think it really matters.  And right now the Bulls have plenty of room under next year's cap.

[brewcity77]

But a poison pill is going to be backloaded, and the cap is going up so much the year after next that I don't think it really matters.  And right now the Bulls have plenty of room under next year's cap.

Not necessarily. Poison pills can be frontloaded as well. I misremembered the Asik deal, but when Wes Matthews signed with Portland, they frontloaded it so Utah couldn't match. The total dollar amount won't change, but LA could try to hamstring Chicago for 2015-16 when they already have a large amount of money committed, then have more cap friendly numbers in 16-17 and 17-18.

Signing elsewhere, the maximum deal size would be around 3 years/$49M I believe. If that was structured to be $25M/12M/12M, it may make it difficult for Chicago to retain him.

[drewm88]

The Bulls will offer Butler the maximum tender. That's a given. Any deal for him will have to be for at least 3 years. As the headline says, "Jimmy Butler wants to sign impossible 1-year deal with the Lakers". He may want that, but it won't happen because the Bulls tender offer will make any 1-year deal against league rules.

Butler's only chance at getting out of Chicago is if the Lakers can put together a 3-year poison pill deal so steep that Chicago can't match it (similar to what Houston did with Omer Asik). But again, it will be a 3-year deal, not a 1 or 2 year deal.

Jimmy bet on himself and won, but he won't be able to make a similar bet until 2018, by which time everything in Chicago will be different, primarily that Derrick Rose will likely be gone.

From above:
The only recourse Butler has for getting out of Chicago within the next three seasons is to play out the season on his $4.4-million qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

[brewcity77]

He could do the qualifying offer, but the whole "1-year deal with the Lakers" is beyond silly talk.

EDIT: And good point, drewm88...I was wrong on that one.

[Skatastrophy]

WesMat is an unrestricted free agent this upcoming year. Hopefully he comes to play for the Bulls.

[brewcity77]

As expected, Bulls have extended a max qualifying offer to Jimmy Butler. If he signs anywhere but Chicago, the Bulls have the right to match and the earliest he could retest the free agency waters would be in three years. His only alternative is to stay in Chicago and play for the tender. That would mean making a max of about $4M instead of $49M (3 years if he signed elsewhere).

[mr.MUskie]

Bulls give Butler max qualifying offer, limiting his options
June 29, 2015, 4:15 pm

KEVIN ANDERSON

We haven’t officially hit free agency (12:01am EST on July 1) but it appears the Bulls have already decided how they want to handle Jimmy Butler as a restricted free agent.

In simple terms, what this report means is that the Bulls have limited what Butler can seek during free agency. The five-year max offer means that Butler can only pursue offer sheets from other teams that are at least three years in length with no options. Mark Deeks explains the rule behind this and why the five-year max qualifying offer is rarely made.

This report means that Butler has three primary options once free agency begins.

Option 1: Take the Bulls five-year max offer of $90+ million and enjoy his time in Chicago for the next half decade. As generous as this offer is, I believe Butler will turn it down because he would be an unrestricted free agent at 30, and is unlikely to get a max-offer at that point in his career.

Option 2: Pursue a three-year max offer sheet from another team. The Bulls can (and will) match this offer. This would be a three-year deal worth approximately $50 million. Butler would become an unrestricted free agent in 2018 when he is 28 years-old. I think this is the route Butler will go.

Option 3: Take the Bulls one-year qualifying offer of $4.4 million and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Butler bet on himself last October by turning down the Bulls four-year offer (reportedly for $44 million). He won that bet by having the best season of his career and being named an All-Star. If Butler doubles down and takes the one-year deal then he will hit the open market during a time that will see the largest cap increase in league history.

If Butler has a similar season to the one he just had, in 2016 he could get an approximately four-year, $96 million offer from another team, or a roughly five-year, $130 million offer from the Bulls. Butler would have to turn down at least $46 million to do this, though. It would be a huge risk because one knee injury could cost him millions of dollars. If Butler is extremely confident he can perform at an All-Star level again, he might take this option.

[79Warrior]

I think its funny how signing a one year contract with a garbage team is some sort of threat that players use now. Especially one that a restricted free agent uses.

What is it with some of these guys and the Lakers? Is it the LA market? Is it Kobe?

Sure. Who would want to play at Staples Center for one of the all time great franchises in NBA history.

[JuniorCardigan]

Sure. Who would want to play at Staples Center for one of the all time great franchises in NBA history.

Thats true, but they are also one of the worst teams in the NBA right now. Seems strange to me to go from the one of the all time great franchises in NBA history that is currently good to one of the all time great franchises in NBA history that is currently god-awful.

But hey if JFB wants to play for a 25 win team throwing 25 mil at Kobe, go for it.

[PGsHeroes32]

Thats true, but they are also one of the worst teams in the NBA right now. Seems strange to me to go from the one of the all time great franchises in NBA history that is currently good to one of the all time great franchises in NBA history that is currently god-awful.

But hey if JFB wants to play for a 25 win team throwing 25 mil at Kobe, go for it.

Uhhhhh you realize the lakers are in on just about every big FA right?

On top of getting Russell and Kobe/randle back?

[79Warrior]

Thats true, but they are also one of the worst teams in the NBA right now. Seems strange to me to go from the one of the all time great franchises in NBA history that is currently good to one of the all time great franchises in NBA history that is currently god-awful.

But hey if JFB wants to play for a 25 win team throwing 25 mil at Kobe, go for it.

They are far from God awful. That title solely belongs to the NY Knicks.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Here's the thing. Jimmy bet on himself once and that's great. Let's say he does the short term deal for let's just say two years. He's young but not that young. At the end of that 2 year deal he will already be 28 in the next contract negotiation. That doesn't even account for injuries that may happen. I love Jimmy and I don't doubt he can be a player but take the max contract and don't risk losing it to injuries. Especially if he's gonna be approaching 30 the next contract go around.

[PGsHeroes32]

Here's the thing. Jimmy bet on himself once and that's great. Let's say he does the short term deal for let's just say two years. He's young but not that young. At the end of that 2 year deal he will already be 28 in the next contract negotiation. That doesn't even account for injuries that may happen. I love Jimmy and I don't doubt he can be a player but take the max contract and don't risk losing it to injuries. Especially if he's gonna be approaching 30 the next contract go around.

While I agree he probably shouldn't push his luck since this was far and away a career year.

I don't think 28 at the start of the season(if he does a 2 year deal) is really "pushing 30" in basketball. That's still basically his prime and he's got 2 full seasons before hitting 30. And the deal would likely be 5 years ages 28-32 where most players are all still very effective.

It's more about not pushing his luck rather than approaching too old in my opinion.

[MUHoopsFan2]

While I agree he probably shouldn't push his luck since this was far and away a career year.

I don't think 28 at the start of the season(if he does a 2 year deal) is really "pushing 30" in basketball. That's still basically his prime and he's got 2 full seasons before hitting 30. And the deal would likely be 5 years ages 28-32 where most players are all still very effective.

It's more about not pushing his luck rather than approaching too old in my opinion.

Agreed. But he is 26 already? Wow...just seems like yesterday he was here.

I wonder how old am I now...?Hmm... anyways he does not like the Bulls or Rose I hear?

Surprising. He can take a chance. He plays well and hard both ways. It will still be there in two years only because he had a career year with the Bulls in Chicago. People will remember that. If he was in a smaller market I might say take the longer deal.

[MUHoopsFan2]

From above:
The only recourse Butler has for getting out of Chicago within the next three seasons is to play out the season on his $4.4-million qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Then that is what he should do...if he wants out. Or ask for a sign and trade.

[MUHoopsFan2]

Then that is what he should do...if he wants out. Or ask for a sign and trade.

I [proposd this before and as usual was laughed at. But look at it.

Perhaps they do a sign and trade with Jimmy Butler for Kobe Bryant who almost came to the Bulls before?

He makes $25 million next year? Butler and Noah can amount to that can't they? How about throwing in Gibson and Lakers swaggy P? Idk...

Bulls won't do it, but Kobe should. Why stay in L.A and rebuild at age 38?

No such thing as loyalty. Kobe still gets paid and can play with Gasol and Rose in new coach Fred Hoiberg's offensive system in Jordan's shadow chasing a ring on the way out for one year.

Then Kobe and Gasol are off the cap after one year and the Bulls can go on a full fledged rebuild with Hoiberg before the strike year? That simple...

There is no loyalty anymore. Even Jordan left the Bulls and played with Wizards.

But if I am Lakers gutless GM I and Jerry Buss' son I would do it in heartbeat.

You would have Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose and Bulls make a run in the same division as LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving!?

What's wrong with that? Lets just forget if it is unlikely or not. Work with me here. LOL. I am having fun just devising it.

But why can't it happen? It's just because of Visionless GM's that is why...or maybe they have thrown this up and around once or twice.

Then save Nikola Mirotic and Portis and Snell for rebuild unless you have to ship one of them off to Lakers. . .

Noah, Taj and Butler go to Lakers...Hmm?? How bout it? Works for me and I couldn't care less what the Bulls do, I'm a Bucks fan...

[brewcity77]

Sign and trade Butler for Kobe? Did I fall asleep and wake up in 2004?

[Class71]

Smart move as the max contract will increase by $100 million in the next few years.

Think you need to consider the risk of getting injured in a demanding sport and discount that $100 million. Either way it is a load of money. More important to manage it well and then live happily ever after. Apparently this is not so easy. I expect JB will make the right decisions for him.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I guess the bigger question is what Gar/Pax cost Jerry by not giving JFB an extra $2million per year last season? Oops.  Bulls will be in luxury tax next season as well.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

I [proposd this before and as usual was laughed at. But look at it.

Perhaps they do a sign and trade with Jimmy Butler for Kobe Bryant who almost came to the Bulls before?

He makes $25 million next year? Butler and Noah can amount to that can't they? How about throwing in Gibson and Lakers swaggy P? Idk...

Bulls won't do it, but Kobe should. Why stay in L.A and rebuild at age 38?

No such thing as loyalty. Kobe still gets paid and can play with Gasol and Rose in new coach Fred Hoiberg's offensive system in Jordan's shadow chasing a ring on the way out for one year.

Then Kobe and Gasol are off the cap after one year and the Bulls can go on a full fledged rebuild with Hoiberg before the strike year? That simple...

There is no loyalty anymore. Even Jordan left the Bulls and played with Wizards.

But if I am Lakers gutless GM I and Jerry Buss' son I would do it in heartbeat.

You would have Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose and Bulls make a run in the same division as LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving!?

What's wrong with that? Lets just forget if it is unlikely or not. Work with me here. LOL. I am having fun just devising it.

But why can't it happen? It's just because of Visionless GM's that is why...or maybe they have thrown this up and around once or twice.

Then save Nikola Mirotic and Portis and Snell for rebuild unless you have to ship one of them off to Lakers. . .

Noah, Taj and Butler go to Lakers...Hmm?? How bout it? Works for me and I couldn't care less what the Bulls do, I'm a Bucks fan...

I know this is a complete hypothetical but this would make absolutely no sense for the Bulls.  Chasing a title with a 37 year old Kobe and a 35 year old Gasol instead of a 26 year old Butler and a 30 year old Gibson with Gasol on the team?  On the small chance a sign-and-trade with Jimmy is an option, you are going to get a hell of a lot more back for him and Gibson than a guard who is on his last legs.  If the Bulls end up having to blow it up why on earth wouldn't they go for it with Butler and Gibson instead of a broken Kobe?  I'm all for creative trade ideas by come on......