REPORT: The Sixers Are Prepared To Give Jimmy Butler The Max (If Miami Trades Him Away)
SOURCE - It’s no secret that the 76ers are closely monitoring Jimmy Butler’s contract situation with the Miami Heat. The Sixers view him as a fallback option if they are unable to sign Paul George in free agency. 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, who turns 35 on Sept. 14, has $48.8 million guaranteed for next season and a player option for $52.2 million for the 2025-26 season. The former Sixer wants a two-year maximum extension for $113 million. There had been reports that Miami may look to trade the small forward rather than give him an extension.
And here...we...go. Tobias Harris is (or at least better fucking be) walking away from the Sixers and that means over 29% of cap space will be opening up for grabs. Paul George? LeBron? Jimmy? Daryl Morey is offering at least one star the BAG to play for Philly. Just a matter of who is willing to come join the Embiid/Maxey superstar squad. It shouldn't be that hard of a sell. We'll just have to see what Morey has cooked up for a desperately needed playoff run for ONCE in this doggone basketball city.
Yes, the Heat would still have to trade Butler. But he very well might have over stayed his welcome in Miami. ICYMI: Slickback Pat was not happy and ended up calling Jimmy out at the end of the first round of the playoffs:
Is Riley correct? Of course. However, does Jimmy Butler toe the line between casual confidence and batshit cockiness in all aspects of life? ABSOLUTELY. That's just the way he's wired. Maybe Riley & Spoelstra have grown weary of their 34-year-old (35 in September) star. If that's the case, well, Philly would surely welcome him back.
In fact, screw it. We've gone through over a decade of The Process and there's about a 2-4 window of MVP Joel Embiid left in the tank before Sam Hinkie officially dies in vain. Sign Paul George. Trade for Jimmy. Draft Bronny. Sign LeBron for the vet minimum. (Respectfully) dig up Wilt to give consistent backup center minutes. Do it all and win the first championship in 40+ years. Simple as that.
Now do me a favor and CUE IT.
PS - Jimmy Butler is also jacked out in the Bad Boys trailer. Good for him.