It may be the NBA’s worst-kept secret that the Philadelphia 76ers are searching for a third star, a wing in particular, to pair with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Paul George is No. 1 on the wish list for Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, but there are already Plans B, C, D and E (maybe more). One of those alternate options is Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler.
Butler has a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season but is reportedly interested in declining that in favor of a two-year, $113 million max deal.
Miami President Pat Riley said he’s not ready to commit that kind of money to a player who will turn 35 before next season and has missed at least 20 regular season games in three of the past four years.
Riley’s reluctance to give an aging, oft-injured player a new contract that would pay him $56.5 million as he turns 37 is understandable. Morey, though, is reportedly less hesitant.
Sixers willing to hand Jimmy Butler max contract if traded from Heat
If the best ability is availability, Butler’s skills are in significant decline. Riley stopped short of saying his franchise star was on the trade block, but he was similarly non-committal when asked about his desire for a max deal:
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. That’s the truth.
Per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Enquirer (h/t Philly Voice), the 76ers are ready to pounce if things reach a tipping point in South Beach:
It’s not secret that the 76ers are closely monitoring Jimmy Butler’s contract situation with the Miami Heat. 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 has publicly stated his desire to retire as a member of the Heat and Riley gave a blunt answer of “No” when asked about trading him.
Miami has reached the Eastern Conference finals three times in the last five seasons and the NBA finals twice in that span, but this current roster may have peaked there.
The Heat is at a crossroads and will need to decide on Butler’s future fairly soon. If Riley concludes that it’s time to part with a fading star, it appears Butler’s old home in Philadelphia could be waiting.
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