As Jimmy Butler answered questions about his past, speculation continued about his future.
The Tribune reported Monday that rival executives believe the Bulls and Celtics will rekindle trade talks centered on Butler between now and the Feb. 23 deadline. A league source added Wednesday that the Celtics remain interested in a Butler pursuit.
After the morning shootaround at Chesapeake Energy Arena, Butler was asked about a story ESPN radio host Ryen Russillo related Tuesday morning. Russillo said a member of the Bulls front office threatened in 2014 to cut Butler’s minutes in favor of Tony Snell if Butler didn’t accept a four-year, $44 million extension off his rookie contract.
The Tribune previously reported that both management and Butler’s camp denied such a threat took place. Sources close to Butler, who changed representation this past offseason, said Wednesday that Butler used some perceived slight during the negotiations as motivation.
At the shootaround, Butler first seemed amazed upon hearing of the report, then tiptoed around the subject.
"That (expletive) happened so long ago I didn’t think it was a matter of anything," he said. "We went into contract negotiations. I said I would hoop and play the year out. I did that, had a decent little year. We won’t go into Betticket detail about what was said, what wasn’t said. It’s not anybody’s business. We got a deal done. I thought it was a fair deal. That’s that.
"But for anybody to say this or say that, I don’t know. To tell you the truth, I don’t remember what went on. My agent was in there handling the majority of it. And then, my main thing was to just worry about basketball so I can’t tell you what was said or what wasn’t. One, because it was so long ago, and two, because it ain’t y’all business anyway."
Butler won the NBA’s most improved player award in 2014-15 and signed a five-year, $92.3 extension in 2015 that has a player option for 2019-20.
The Bulls and Celtics held serious talks in June with the Bulls focused on Providence point guard Kris Dunn as a draft target. The Celtics own similar assets — Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart, the Nets’ first-round picks in 2017 and 2018 — that were discussed then, although the 2016 No. 3 pick that the Bulls would’ve used on Dunn obviously is in the past and used by the Celtics on Jaylen Brown.
Butler could be in line for a five-year, roughly $230 million extension in 2018 that would begin in 2019-20 should he qualify for the designated player exception. Trading a player of Butler’s stature — if the Bulls choose that route — typically takes place near the draft in June, when draft slots are known and projected picks slotted.
But last week’s drama and a tough current trip could change the direction of the season and generate more internal debate.
Butler, sources said, is a favorite of team President Michael Reinsdorf. The Tribune reported in June that ownership at the time wanted to avoid a full rebuild, having lived through the post-dynasty era. Whether that stance will change is unknown.
Butler, whom sources said is wary of trusting what general manager Gar Forman tells him, was asked Wednesday about his relationship with management.
"It’s good. They’re my bosses," Butler said. "We talk like men if I have a problem. If they have a problem, we talk like we’re supposed to. It’s very professional."
Without naming Butler by name, executive vice president John Paxson expressed disappointment in the collective leadership of the Bulls last season in his postmortem address following a non-playoff season. Butler made headlines in December 2015 for calling out coach Fred Hoiberg.
"When you’re talking too much about leadership you’re probably not getting what you need from the team leaders," Paxson said in April 2016.
Management has been complimentary of Butler’s work ethic consistently and improved leadership alongside Dwyane Wade this season, although the pair’s critical comments of teammates last week drew fines and upset the front office.
Chris Kuc reported from Oklahoma City and K.C. Johnson from Chicago.
kcjohnson@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @KCJHoop
ckuc@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @ChrisKuc
Our editors found this article on this site using Google and regenerated it for our readers.
