WORDS HE’S BEEN WAITING TO HEAR

By giving Butler his due, Paxson, Forman can begin laying the bricks for next season

Jimmy Butler doesn’t need the Bulls’ front office to kneel before him and kiss his ring — although it might be a good starting point.

What Butler is looking for is a sound plan moving forward, transparency and some true appreciation, finally, for the player he has become.

The days of vice president of basketball operations John Paxson and general manager Gar Forman letting Butler’s name blow freely in trade rumors, or Paxson describing Butler as a “piece’’ rather than acknowledging he’s the best all- around player to wear a Bulls uniform since Michael Jordan, may be behind him. After spending the last month in Los Angeles training, Butler made an appearance Thursday night on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!’’ and, according to a Bulls source, was expected back in Chicago this weekend for the first time since a brief exit meeting after the Bulls’ playoff elimination. The source indicated Butler will now have an extended meeting with Paxson — likely early this upcoming week — and is expected to finally hear what has been long overdue from his bosses.

Butler has always maintained a realistic view of his standing in the NBA and knows that if a ridiculous trade offer comes Paxson’s way, no player, including himself, is untouchable.

Until then, appeasing him shouldn’t be too much to ask — and would be the first step in solidifying the roster for 201718, according to the source. The Bulls have taken calls about Butler this offseason but aren’t making them. If Butler is still a Bull after the NBA draft June 22, all indications are that Dwyane Wade will pick up his $ 23.8 million player option by the June 27 deadline, keeping him with Butler for another season. The Bulls are then expected to retain Rajon Rondo for $ 13.4 million. It starts with Butler, though. So let the kissing begin.