I'm surprised the vote is more for George than Butler. Both have 5/$90M contracts, but Butler's is 3 more years, George 2 more years. That's important to Wyc with increasing maxFA salary increases coming. You better believe that's a factor in the negotiations. Wyc has a one third say. Maybe more. He's the money.
Aside from contracts, has George come down a bit since his leg injury? He's still very good, but some wonder if he's as good as before the injury. I think Butler might be the better defensive player--he has more steals and blocks than George--and more assists. George is bigger and could play the 4, though he only wants to play the 3. Butler could play the 2 or 3. But George is a much better 3P shooter.
I think it's close. The extra contract year could be a factor for Butler. Differences in asking price could also be a factor. Bird and Ainge have a pretty close relationship, and Ainge is liable to give more for Larry. And maybe vice versa. If Larry decides by tomorrow to trade George (maybe depending on how successful he is in trading to improve the team), I think Ainge will have first dibs.
I've heard it said in the media Larry will be hesitant to trade with the Celtics, his old team, because of the heat McHale got for trading KG to them. I think that's anti Celtics media BS. Jealousy about KG not going to NY or LA. McHale's real problem was when he got into that signing scandal with Joe Smith? Forget the details there.