Jimmy Butler five-year $95 million:
The Chicago Bulls lucked out that Jimmy Butler didn’t sign a short-term deal with another team. Having Butler agree to a long-term deal makes this maximum offer a very fair deal. Think about it like this: what is worth $1 today will be worth $0.67 in 2017 free agency. This is probably the most important factor when negotiating between short-term and long-term deals. By that calculations, Butler will be making $18 million in 2017 but that’s equivalent to $12 million today. To lock Butler on a price tag like that for at least two years after the new salary cap hits makes this a great deal for the Bulls. Clearly, Butler is happy with his decision.
Jimmy Butler is probably not a conventional superstar; he’s probably not a superstar at all. However, his ability to play both ends of the floor at a high level makes him a high-demand player in the NBA. Butler shot 45% from the field and 37% from behind the arc as he averaged 20 points per game last season. Jimmy Butler led the Bulls offensively many times while being their best primary defender.
Grade: A+
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Mike Dunleavy Jr three-years $14.4 million:
Mike Dunleavy Jr is the ultimate professional. He took a massive paycut two years ago back in 2013 to join the Bulls for their title run. Unfortunately, there was no title. Dunleavy at age 34 is still shooting lights out from the behind the arc. As consistent as he was all season, Dunleavy shot 40% from 3-point land in both regular season and the playoffs.
Just talked to Dunleavy: "I'm thrilled to be back. It's a really fair deal. I'm looking forward to playing for (Hoiberg) and love our team."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) July 1, 2015
Dunleavy may not be a starting small forward on a championship team, but he’s still a vital piece to any team’s championship hopes. Every team needs a Mike Dunleavy, a guy who came come in and hit open shots to spread the floor. A guy who doesn’t complain and puts the teams’ needs ahead of his own.
By adding Dunleavy, the Bulls are now limited in their moves moving forward. Dunleavy’s contract is almost doubled compared to his previous contract.
To many people’s surprise, Mike Dunleavy was a hot free agent this summer. Lebron James was motivated to add Dunleavy to his team; as were the Washington Wizards. However, the Bulls offered a fair deal to Dunleavy and he decided to return. Dunleavy is a perfect fit in Fred Hoiberg’s system of “let it fly” kind of style. If Dunleavy continues to shoot at a high percentage, his value will match his contract.
Grade: B
