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The Chicago Bulls have re-signed free agent guard Jimmy Butler.
According to the Chicago Tribune, it is “a five-year deal that could be worth $95 million should Butler pick up the fifth-year player option.”
“We are thrilled that Jimmy has committed to remain a Chicago Bull for years to come,” said Chicago Bulls General Manager Gar Forman. “As one of the leagues rising stars, we look forward to his continued growth and him being a major contributor to our team’s continued success.”
Last season, Butler (6-7, 220) appeared in 65 games (all starts) for Chicago and averaged a team-high 20.0 ppg (15th in the NBA), 5.8 rpg, 3.3 apg and 1.75 spg (10th) in 38.7 mpg (first), while shooting .462 from the field, .378 from behind the arc and .834 from the line. He posted career highs in scoring, rebounding, assists, three-point field goal percentage and free-throw shooting, and also made his first trip to the NBA All-Star Game as a reserve for the East. The 25-year old Butler was also named the 2014-15 Kia NBA Most Improved Player, becoming the first Bull to win the award since its inception in 1985-86.
In four seasons with Chicago, the Tomball, Texas, native has appeared in 256 games (152 starts) and owns averages of 11.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.29 spg, 29.7 mpg, .440 from the floor, .333 from downtown and .804 from the free-throw line.
In postseason play, Butler has also played in 32 playoff games (29 starts) and posted 15.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.53 spg, .431 from the field, .380 from behind the arc and .813 from the line.
Chicago drafted Butler in the first round (30th overall) of the 2011 NBA Draft.
