Fans of the Chicago Bulls can exhale now that budding star forward Jimmy Butler has re-signed in the Windy City for five years and upwards of $95 million, according to The Chicago Tribune. It was a bit of a mystery whether or not Butler wanted to stay in Chicago or head elsewhere, but at the end of the day, Butler cleared the air. K.C. Johnson of the Tribune weighed in on Twitter:

Jimmy Butler: “Chicago is where I wanted to be.”

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) July 9, 2015

Butler went on to say that he just desired to feel wanted by the Bulls, that’s all. I think Chicago made it pretty apparent even before the start of free agency after GM Gar Forman told reporters the Bulls would absolutely match any offer thrown Butler’s way.

Wanted? Yeah, I think it’s safe to say he was wanted.

With Butler locked down for a few years now, what does this mean for another superstar who re-signed with his respective team? That’s right, I’m talking about LeBron James and his new deal to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. I’ll tell you what it means for James — a long and difficult road ahead.

Now, am I saying that because Butler is back in Chicago that James and the Cavs don’t stand a chance in the postseason? Absolutely not; quite the contrary actually. I don’t see the Bulls beating James in a seven-game series — probably ever. But what it does guarantee is that James goes into the NBA Finals as exhausted as possible — you’re welcome, Western Conference.

It’s no secret that James’ biggest foe in the playoffs, in terms of one-on-one battles, has been Butler when facing the Bulls. The only other player to come close to the job that Butler has done on James in the playoffs is Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs. The best part about Butler is that he will give James fits on both sides of the court. Butler is a rare player who gives 100 percent of his energy on both the offensive and defensive end. He’s become much more than a defensive specialist. Some experts even put him up in the MVP discussion after last season.

Butler’s new deal with the Bulls guarantees there will be many more battles to come between both he and James. Will this eventually equate to a Finals appearance for Chicago? I wouldn’t count out the Bulls — ever. With a guy like Butler becoming the face of the franchise and doing as good a job on James as anybody ever has, he gives Chicago the best chance they’ll ever have at getting past the King.

Ryan Heckman is a writer for www.RantSports.com covering the NBA and NFL. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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