I read a pretty informative article about how this process was likely playing out- Since the jazz don't have any money left from the MLE they cant guarantee anything for the 3rd year of a contract. Which likely lead to Butler and Bartlestein threatening to only sign a 1 year deal. It still sucks because the jazz wont have matching rights that third year. I wonder if Bartlestein wants to be a GM...? Jazz GM's still seem to need courses in contract negotiations. Dan Clayton maybe has a better understanding than the jazz GM's.
Fan favorite Jarrell Brantley, #5, is one of a few Utah players whose Jazz future is still up in the air. (Melissa Majchrzak via utahjazz.com) The really interesting and crucial part of the Utah Jazz’s offseason was over in a matter of days. After a new deal with their All-Star, two veteran...
jazzfanz.com
I wondered if maybe the jazz were holding out for less guaranteed because of Butlers health but it looks like it played out like Dan was suggesting.