Coming off the best season of his four-year career, Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Bulter is in line for a huge contract this off-season. Having reportedly turned down a 4-year, $44 million offer from the Bulls last November, Butler is looking to cash in as a restricted free agent this July. But don’t take that as Jimmy being all about the money. Unlike most, he not only cares about what he gets paid, but also what he endorses. That’s just one of the reasons Butler reportedly took a massive pay cut to suit up in Jordan Brand in lieu of former outfitter, adidas.
According to a recent report in Chicago Business, last year Butler took a 75% pay cut to leave adidas as his official apparel brand for what he considered to be greener pastures with Jordan Brand. The report does not indicate as to exactly why Butler left his endorsement deal with adidas, only stating that the switch was out of “personal preference.”
With his season now at an end, Butler has effectively put the Chicago Bulls on the clock when the NBA Finals come to a close. As a restricted free agent, Butler can entertain offers from other teams, while the Bulls have an opportunity to match those offers. Do you think the Bulls offer Butler a max contract to stay in Chicago? Or does he land elsewhere? Only time will tell. And that “time” is this summer.
