One thing is certain: the 76ers have cap space this summer and are hunting for big plays, ideally for an elite wing to play with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
It’s the worst kept secret in the NBA that Paul George is at the top of Philadelphia’s list, but if he agrees to an extension with the Clippers and stays in his hometown, what’s Plan B? Could be a reunion with the Heat’s Jimmy Butler, reports Marc Stein in his latest newsletter.
Butler is guaranteed one more season on his $48.8 million contract before a $52.2 million player option for 2025-26. The 34-year-old, who turns 35 in September, will seek a contract extension this summer, meaning the Heat risk alienating their post-Dwyane Wade face of the franchise if they prioritize future flexibility and an extension is not forthcoming. discussed. More than one rival team out there has also wondered whether Philadelphia, following its first-round exit, will mount a trade rush on Butler to reacquire close friend Joel Embiid if the 76ers are unsuccessful in using his $50 million-plus projected salary cap space to acquire presumed top target Paul George. Butler’s highly successful stay in South Beach, of course, began when the Sixers prioritized retaining Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris over Butler and agreed to sign and trade him to Miami when the Heat had minimal cap space. in the salary cap.
Stein isn’t the only person to mention Butler to the Sixers as a possibility, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst does too. It’s also a long shot for us to come together.
Butler is expected to push for a two-year maximum contract extension worth about $113 million from the Heat this offseason (he would forgo his player option year, keeping him with Miami for three seasons per U.S. $161.8 million). Considering Butler turns 35 before next season and hasn’t played 65 games in a season since joining the Heat — the last time he played 70 or more was in 2017 — Miami may be hesitant to keep him that long. That’s why there are rumors that the Heat could try to trade Butler this summer.
While Philly would have room to absorb Butler’s salary in a trade, it would have to offer enough return in a deal to interest Miami, and that could involve a third team — not an easy deal to make. Even if that happens, the 76ers are betting that Embiid and Butler will be healthy for a playoff run as contenders. Good luck with that.
The real bottom line is that Daryl Morey and the 76ers will do whatever it takes to find a third star to go along with Embiid and Maxey. Geroge is at the top of the list, and Butler’s name appears in the rumors as a secondary option, along with Brandon Ingram. There will be other names that appear as well. Philly is swinging for the fences.
