The Chicago Bulls are struggling to secure Jimmy Butler's future tenure in the Windy City due to a reported contract impasse with roughly 24 hours left before October 30 deadline, while the Dallas Mavericks are making a room for the return of a prodigal son.
Jimmy G Buckets Soon To Be Free-Agent: The Bulls will likely wait until next summer to lock in swingman Jimmy Butler after their contract extension talks reportedly collapsed, a source close to situation told ESPN NBA insider Chris Broussard on Wednesday.
The 25-year old Butler is eligible for a contract extension before October 31 deadline. Should the Bulls fail to sign him with a contract extension by deadline, Butler will be a restricted free-agent next offseason, with the Bulls having the ability to match any offer sheet.
Butler, who will be out in the Bulls' season-opener against the New York Knicks and at least the next two more weeks with sprained ligaments in his left thumb, is reportedly demanding a max contract that will pay him roughly $83M over five years.
According to multiple sources, several teams, including free-spending big market ball clubs, are interested to sign the budding swingman already possessing a top-notch perimeter defense and an increasingly developing offensive game, once he hits the free-agency market.
Barea Leaning on Coming Back with the Mavs: Puerto Rican point guard J.J Barea, who was waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, is reportedly interested in signing with the Dallas Mavericks, where he won his lone championship ring back in 2011.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Mavs owner Mark Cuban had a lengthy talk with Gal Mekel on Monday, as they talked about making room for Barea to rejoin the Mavericks. Dallas is expected to trade or waive Mekel to open a roster spot with the 5-foot-10 blur.
"Just to make sure the story was being delivered correctly, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban spoke to Gal Mekel for more than an hour Monday about J.J. Barea possibly joining the Mavs," via Forth Worth Star-Telegram.
"On Monday, the Minnesota Timberwolves bought out Barea's contract, and he's expected to clear waivers Wednesday. Barea wants to sign with the Mavs once he clears waivers, and the Mavs want to sign Barea."
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