The Philadelphia 76ers are closely monitoring Jimmy Butler’s situation with the Miami Heat and are prepared to offer him a max contract extension if he becomes available.
This move depends on their primary pursuit of Paul George and the outcome of his negotiations with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Key Takeaways:
- The Sixers are prepared to offer Butler a max contract if he leaves the Miami Heat.
- The Sixers prefer signing Paul George but view Butler as a strong alternative.
- Butler’s current contract and his demand for a max extension are critical factors in any potential trade.
76ers’ Plan for Jimmy Butler: A Potential Reunion
The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly monitoring Jimmy Butler’s situation closely, potentially reuniting with the player they once traded to the Miami Heat.
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sixers are monitoring Butler’s situation closely. They view him as a secondary option to their primary target, Paul George, this offseason.
Butler, currently with the Miami Heat, is seeking a new contract. If his negotiations with the Heat do not go as planned, the Sixers are reportedly ready to offer him an extension to raise his salary to the league maximum.
This possibility hinges on whether Butler forces his way out of Miami, where he is due $48.8 million in 2024-25 and has a $52.2 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
Butler is seeking a two-year deal worth $113 million.
Butler’s History with the 76ers and His Performance
Jimmy Butler had a brief stint with the 76ers during the 2018-2019 season before joining the Miami Heat through a sign-and-trade deal.v
The 76ers chose to pay Tobias Harris instead of retaining Butler. Since then, Butler has made a significant impact with the Heat, earning two All-Star selections in five years.
In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game over 60 appearances.
Pat Riley on Butler’s Future and Finances
Miami Heat owner Pat Riley has publicly addressed Butler’s future with the team, stating at the start of May that they do not intend to part ways with the six-time All-Star.
However, Riley’s comments also highlighted the financial considerations of committing to Butler’s desired extension.
“We don’t have to do that for a year,” Riley said. “We have not discussed that internally right now but we have to look at making that kind of commitment… That’s a big decision on our part to commit those kinds of resources unless you have somebody who’s going to be there and available every single night.”
Sixers’ Cap Tactics: Targeting George and Butler
The Sixers have significant cap space, about $65 million, which is enough to sign a max player.
They are reportedly interested in Paul George, who has a player option for next season and has not signed an extension with the Los Angeles Clippers.
If George becomes an unrestricted free agent, the Sixers could offer him a four-year, $212 million contract.
This offer could lure George away from California, but if the Sixers cannot acquire him, Butler becomes their next focus.
Butler’s Loyalty to Miami Amid Trade Speculations
Despite the speculation, Butler has expressed his commitment to Miami.
“I feel at home, man,” Butler said earlier this month. “I really care about the city. I really care about the people in this city. Miami has embraced me.”
However, the situation might change if the Heat and Butler fail to reach an agreement on his desired extension.
Sixers’ Offseason Strategy: Pursuing Butler or George
The 76ers are strategically positioning themselves for a significant offseason move, eyeing either Jimmy Butler or Paul George.
While their first choice is to acquire George, they are prepared to pivot to Butler if necessary, contingent on various contract and negotiation factors.
This approach highlights the team’s commitment to strengthening their roster and aiming for championship success.
