NBA Rumors: The Real Reason Why The Philadelphia 76ers Let Jimmy Butler Go

2 Min Read

The Sixer Sense

After yet another early playoff exit, the Philadelphia 76ers are finding themselves questioning where it all went wrong.

And while no individual decision can take all the blame, the choice to let Jimmy Butler walk in the summer of 2019 has always been considered among their worst mistakes.

Apparently, Ben Simmons was the driving force behind that move, according to Yaron Weitzman of Fox Sports:

According to league sources, Simmons’ frustration at being relegated to off-ball duty during the team’s 2019 second-round loss to the Raptors contributed to the front office’s decision to not re-sign Jimmy Butler. [Former head coach Brett Brown] had handed Butler the keys to the offense, and management was worried how Simmons would handle having Butler around and monopolizing crunch-time playmaking duties for multiple years.

As the main ball handler and distributor for the team, Simmons isn’t exactly keen on being forced to play off-ball.

Not only does it not complement his skill set, but it also diminishes his role on the roster.

Of course, we know now what Butler would go on to do in Miami. He would lead the Heat to an amazing season, where they made a respectable showing in the NBA Finals.

The Sixers, meanwhile, have struggled to repeat the success they once had with Butler, and find themselves starving for the leadership and direction he provided for the team.

Now, two years after Ben’s displeasure essentially forced Butler away, it seems as if Ben will be the next one out the door.

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

Share This Article
Follow:
Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *