According to league insider Keith Pompey, the organization is committed to offering Butler, 34, a max extension if they’re able to land him in a trade in the coming months.
“The Sixers view him as a fallback option if they are unable to sign Paul George in free agency,” wrote Pompey. “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.
Paul George has been the top target for the 76ers all month, and rumors of a potential split with the Clippers have put the entire NBA on notice. But with his future still uncertain, and various teams in the running for George, the 76ers need a backup plan — and that’s where Butler comes in.
Butler, 34, has been the heart and soul of the Heat franchise since his arrival in 2019. But after multiple failed playoffs runs, there is noise about a breakup in South Beach and it leaves the door open for his return to familiar ground.
In the 2018-19 campaign, Jimmy played 55 games for the 76ers, and he was arguably the second-best player behind Joel Embiid with averages of 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on 46% shooting. He lit a fire under everyone there and his two-way game was huge in the frontcourt next to Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Tobias Harris.
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