Chicago Bulls Rumors: Why Jimmy Butler isn’t coming back

Butler can’t be too fond of the front office

Like I said, the Bulls drafted Butler outside of the lottery back in 2011. The thought was that he would eventually develop into a solid role player who could play great defense and be an asset off the bench — at least, that’s what his draft position would have told you.

But, he became an unquestioned superstar in this league. He wasn’t loud, obnoxious or self-absorbed like some of the stars out there today. No, he was a laid-back kind of dude. But, he would shut down your mother if she had tried a dribble-drive on him.

Over his last couple of years in Chicago, the Bulls’ front office simply didn’t get it. Over and over again the media would try to get John Paxson and Gar Forman to admit and commit to building around Butler. Time and time again, they received tip-toe type of answers that essentially said, “No, he’s not a franchise cornerstone.”

If, for some reason, there was a possibility of Butler coming back to Chicago, why would he agree to sign long-term? He would be coming back to a city that loved him, yes. But, the front office clearly never had his back to begin with. Why would this time be any different?