76ers Ready to Extend Max Contract to Jimmy Butler in Trade Deal with Heat

The Philadelphia 76ers are eyeing a potential reunion with Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler and are reportedly willing to offer him a maximum extension if they secure him in a trade this offseason, as per sources cited by the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey.

Butler, currently 34 years old, has one year remaining on his contract with the Miami Heat, valued at $48.7 million, followed by a player option for $52.4 million. Sources indicate that he is seeking a two-year extension worth $113 million this offseason and is expected to opt out of his player option, according to reports from the Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang.

While Butler's preference is to remain with the Heat, there's speculation that he could explore free agency after the 2024-25 season in search of a max contract elsewhere.

Despite Heat president Pat Riley expressing reluctance to part ways with the six-time All-Star, recent criticism of Butler's behavior during Miami's playoff series against the Boston Celtics has added intrigue to his future with the team.

For the Sixers, Butler is seen as a backup option if they fail to secure Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George in free agency. George holds a $48 million player option with the Clippers.

Philadelphia's president, Daryl Morey, faces the task of negotiating a deal with point guard Tyrese Maxey, who is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason.

The Sixers are positioned with nearly $60 million in cap space and up to five tradable first-round draft picks, providing flexibility in potential trade scenarios, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

During his stint with the Sixers in the 2018-19 season, Butler appeared in 55 games, averaging 18.2 points and four assists per game. The team reached the second round of the playoffs but ultimately fell to the Toronto Raptors.

Despite injuries limiting former MVP Joel Embiid to 39 regular-season games, the Sixers finished the 2023-24 season with a 47-35 record, securing the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference.76ers