JUST IN: Philadelphia 76ers star Switch Offseason Teams for huge agreement
Former Philadelphia 76ers star Jimmy Butler might be facing a pivotal moment with the Miami Heat. Amidst various speculations about his long-term future with the team, The Ringer’s Howard Beck has forecasted that Butler’s tenure in South Beach could conclude this offseason.
“Jimmy Butler will be traded. Rival executives have been buzzing about it for months for all the obvious reasons. Butler is about to turn 35 (with a lot of hard miles and numerous injuries), has one year left on his Heat contract, and is reportedly seeking a two-year, $113 million extension,” Beck wrote on June 21. “If the Heat grant it, they’ll have little to no flexibility to add another star. And they absolutely need one.”
Beck did not specify a potential destination for Butler, but if his prediction is accurate, a reunion with the Sixers could be possible, as they have the cap room to take on his contract. Re-acquiring Butler would likely require giving up draft assets, but considering his accomplishments, the cost would be justified despite his age.
Butler, who thrived with the Sixers in 2019 before departing the following season, is entering the second year of a three-year, $146 million contract.
Sixers Will Give Jimmy Butler Extension He Wants: Report
The Sixers’ interest in reuniting with Jimmy Butler is significant. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sixers consider Butler a backup plan but would offer him the extension he desires if they managed to acquire him.
“The Sixers view [Butler] as a fallback option if they are unable to sign Paul George in free agency,” Pompey wrote in a May 28 story. “And, according to sources, the Sixers are prepared to give Butler a maximum-salary extension if things align and he forces a trade out of Miami.”
Butler could use this report as leverage in his negotiations with the Heat. While Miami might be hesitant to grant him the extension, Philadelphia’s willingness could facilitate a trade. The Sixers aim to make the most of their current window with Joel Embiid, and they believe Butler could be the missing piece they haven’t been able to replace since his departure.
Bringing Butler back could elevate the Sixers to the same competitive level as their division rival and reigning NBA champion, the Boston Celtics.
Sixers Have ‘Waning Interest’ in Paul George: Report
The speculation about Jimmy Butler’s potential departure from Miami aligns with recent reports from The Athletic’s Shams Charania, indicating that the Sixers’ interest in acquiring Paul George has diminished.
“The Philadelphia 76ers’ interest in pursuing Paul George has significantly waned in recent days,” Charania posted on his X account. “The franchise is expected to be aggressive elsewhere with its salary cap flexibility and draft capital leading into next week’s NBA Draft.”
Although George is not technically a free agent, he has the option to opt out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. He might decide to stay with the Clippers or may not be interested in joining the Sixers.
The Sixers might genuinely believe that Butler is available and that they have a real shot at bringing him back. If that is the case, their need for George would diminish significantly.