Chicago Bulls guard and this season’s breakout star Jimmy Butler admitted that he considers the New York Knicks as one of two potential destinations when he becomes a free-agent this summer, Knicks lead writer and New York area sports radio host Anthony Donahue reported on Friday.
After turning down a four-year contract extension that would have guaranteed him at least $10M per year, the 25-year old Butler said in an interview with Donahue that he has at least two teams that piques his interest right now, one of which is the Knicks.
Butler, the 30th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, has emerged as the hands-down favorite to win the Most Improved Player of the Year plum after improving his production across the board this season.
After using his perimeter defense as his calling card the first three seasons, the former Marquette standout has turned into an offensive force this year, averaging a team-high 20.4 points on 46 percent shooting along with six rebounds and three assists in 39 minutes per contest.
His sudden transformation into a well-rounded offensive player coupled with still potent defensive prowess would allow Butler to command a contract that may surpass the one he turned down last summer. According to experts, it won’t be surprising if Butler received a max offer (at least $15MM per season) on the strength of his All-Star season.
The Knicks, who are in the midst of perhaps the worst season in franchise’s history, have already made several transactions through trades and waivers to put them in position to make a significant free-agency splash in July, and obviously, Butler is one of the desired players atop their wish-list.
According to sources Jimmy Butler has two teams in mind this summer and one of them is the New York #Knicks..
— Anthony Donahue (@AnthonyMSG) February 27, 2015
On the other hand, the Bulls will have the rights to match any offer for their coveted shooting guard. Chicago front-office stressed they won’t be letting Butler walk away, promising to match any offer sheet dollar per dollar.
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