The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to make amends with Miami Heat former All-Star Jimmy Butler. According to team insider Keith Pompey, the franchise regrets not offering Butler a full max contract in 2019, which led to his departure.
Pompey revealed that the 76ers’ ownership group has acknowledged their mistake and are willing to make things right. They have taken notice of Butler’s continued success and believe he could be the missing piece to their team.
Talking to my sources, the 76ers’ ownership group — they kinda regret what they did five years ago [in trading Jimmy Butler] and they see the success that he’s had. And they realize he could be in their eyes, the missing piece, and they’re willing to give him the money he wants. Keith Pompey wrote
The 76ers are now willing to offer Jimmy Butler the money he wants, a significant change from their previous stance. This move suggests that the team is eager to correct their past mistake and bring Butler back into the fold.
By making this move, the Philadelphia 76ers hope to rectify a decision that has haunted them for years. They believe Butler’s presence could be the key to unlocking their full potential and achieving success in the NBA.
Jimmy Butler’s uncertain future with the Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler’s remarkable playoff success has made it easy to overlook that he’s nearing the end of his career and at 30, he led the Miami Heat to the Eastern Conference title in 2020, where he showcased his impressive skills. However, his age and contract situation have raised questions about his future with the franchise.
Butler turns 35 on September 14 and has a player option worth approximately $100 million over the next two seasons. Other teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, are interested in trading for him and offering a max contract. According to Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald two other teams are also willing to trade for Butler and sign him to a max-level contract.
Along with the 76ers, according to league sources, there are two other teams that have made it known in league circles that they would be willing to trade for Butler and sign him to a max-level contract. Anthony Chiang wrote
Butler is seeking a two-year, $113 million extension from the Heat, but team president Pat Riley is hesitant to commit. Riley stated that they don’t need to make a decision until 2025, which has left Butler’s future uncertain.
