As the years go by, it’s becoming harder to determine a player’s value. Jordan said it best: “You don’t pay the player for what he’s done; you pay him for what he will do”. I agree. This new era of NBA isn’t just about chucking up 3-pointers, it’s also about paying players based off their potential. However, if it wasn’t hard enough to determine their value, the new salary cap spike in 2017 will make it nearly impossible. But the question still remains: is Jimmy Butler worth the max?
Jimmy Butler is just seeking what other players of his caliber have already received. The market for a versatile wing is in high demand. Guys like Chandler Parsons and Gordon Hayward have set the bar for that position. Both were able to receive near max deals while under-performing in either their individual play or team’s success.
Jimmy Butler is arguably the 3rd best shooting guard in the league behind James Harden and Klay Thompson. Many fans argue Butler is the best two-way shooting guard in the league; but that’s a discussion for another day. That’s the point; you don’t have to be the best to compensated like the best. Rudy Gay is a good example of that. This by no means is meant to take anything away from Jimmy Butler. He wasn’t just handed the Most Improved Player award, he earned it. He carried the Chicago Bulls before and after Derrick Rose’s 3rd knee surgery this season. Butler’s scoring averages spiked almost 7ppg while raising his field-goal percentage. Butler’s progression is not going unnoticed either; Lakers are ready to offer Butler a sizable deal this summer. Milwaukee Bucks are rumored to offer a sign-and-trade for Jimmy Butler, but the Bulls likely will not entertain the idea.
Now, this is where things get sticky. Is Jimmy Butler worth the current maximum of 5-year $90 million? Yes. That $18 million annual salary will be chump change in the new salary cap. Guys who are less deserving will receive even more money in the new salary cap. The market for $18 million annually might be for fringe Allstars or slightly above mid-level exception caliber players. Jimmy Butler will be considered a steal in 2017 at $18 million if he keeps up his progress. Although, if Butler decides to take a short-term deal to be eligible in 2017 to receive near maximum money, that’s when Butler will be considered highly overpaid. Butler is expected to seek $30 million annually or more in 2017 if he agrees to a short-term deal this summer. The Bulls can decide what to do when the times comes three years from now. For now, it’s best to hold on to Butler. He’s betting on himself once again, hopefully the outcome will be the same.
