The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly open to a reunion with Jimmy Butler and are actively monitoring his situation in Philadelphia. Speaking on ESPN, NBA insider Brian Windhorst confirmed the news and explained that Sixers GM Daryl Morey has big plans after his team’s first-round elimination this year.
“The first name to watch is Jimmy Butler on the Miami Heat,” said Windhorst. “He’s got two years left on his contract and there is interest in him extending. The 76ers chose Tobias Harris’ contract over paying Jimmy Butler five years ago. Well that contract is up and if the Heat don’t want to extend is there a way to revisit that?”
"The player at the top of their list is Paul George."@WindhorstESPN thinks the Sixers are going to give PG-13 a max contract offer in free agency, and will look to monitor Jimmy Butler and Brandon Ingram's situations 👀 pic.twitter.com/bRVVY1XeeO
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 3, 2024
While Paul George remains at the top of the 76ers’ wishlist, Butler could be an equally sufficient option for them if he becomes available this summer or sometime in the near future. Butler, a 12-year NBA veteran, has become a legend for the Miami Heat, and his play on both ends of the court has been key in their astounding playoff success. With averages of 21.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game on 49% shooting, he’s proven himself as one of the league’s most valuable players and a truly elite playoff performer.
But after losing in the first round this season, in five games to the Boston Celtics, there are rumblings that the Heat are getting restless with the situation, and now Butler’s future is growing increasingly in doubt.
With a player option for the 2025-26 season, Butler likely isn’t going anywhere for the time being but the 76ers have every reason to monitor his availability should something change in the near future. After being bounced in the first round again, the 76ers are desperate for any kind of reinforcements and it doesn’t get much better than Butler, who has a track record of stepping up when it counts the most.
Plus, after choosing Tobias Harris over Butler all those years ago, it would set things right for the 76ers and give them a chance to right some of their mistake of the past.
Joel Embiid Needs A Co-Star
Despite the best efforts from Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers were unable to force a Game 7 against the Knicks and they got sent home in a blaze of disappointment. But despite their defeat, this season wasn’t a total loss for the 76ers.
They discovered Tyrese Maxey, who is a bonafide star in the league and a max player for the next 10+ years. He was the only thing that kept the 76ers alive in Game 5 with 46 points. Overall, his ascension is what allowed the franchise to recover from the Harden trade without a second thought.
But after losing in the first round again, the 76ers are no longer willing to be patient and they do not intend to run it back with this same cast of players. Rather, Daryl. Morey is likely to take action and do whatever he can to improve the roster and increase their odds of winning the title.
Stars like Paul George and Jimmy Butler could certainly make the difference for the 76ers and if they play their cards right it could lead to a historic run through the East. For now, however, their main focus must be on maintaining order amid a chaotic period of uncertainty.
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