Jimmy Butler's in his 3rd NBA season. The Bulls have already exercised their $2.01mil option on Butler for the 2014-15 season. This summer the two sides could, if they find it mutually agreeable, agree to up to a 4-year contract extension that would begin in 2015-16. Butler didn't play much his rookie season, averaging only 8.5mpg in 42 games. Last season, he opened some eyes, particularly from late-March through the playoffs when he started, mostly at SG, played big minutes and made 46% of his 3-point attempts. Everyone knew Butler could play defense, but exceptional long-range shooting accuracy and outstanding scoring efficiency weren't evident until he became a starter. Somewhere in this process, it occurred to just about everyone that, "Hey, maybe we've found our long lost starting shooting guard." This season has mostly been a step backwards, at least offensively, for Butler. He's had a couple injuries and his shooting, particularly from distance, has been downright poor (he's shooting under 40% overall and 26% from the arc). I still like Butler, but this season has shaken my optimism about him being a starting-caliber NBA wing. As things stand today, I wouldn't be looking to extend him this summer. I think both the Bulls and Butler need to see how the remainder of this season and the 2014-15 season play out. Thoughts?
Personally I think a prudent strategy would be to extend Butler, switch him to playing primarily three and invest in a scoring two guard rather than gutting the team and putting every dime available into signing Anthony -- even though Melo would look great in a Bulls uniform if some kind of miracle hocus pocus dominocus deal magically came to be.
I would be shocked if we end up with Melo. But I agree with the switch to 3 (where he played in place of Deng so wonderfully in the playoffs) and to find a SG who can dribble, make plays (pass, assists), and nail 3pt shots. Ideally a scorer, not just a shooter. Someone who'd burn opponents if they double and triple team Rose when he comes back.
