Scenario No. 2
A whole different approach would involve Ryan Anderson and Justise Winslow, with Adebayo remaining as the linchpin of the deal.
The Sixers may find value in the inclusion of Anderson’s expiring non-guaranteed contract in the form of stretching and waiving him. Anderson has a $21.264 million salary in 2019-20, but only $15.6 million of that is guaranteed. If Sixers were to waive him before July 10th, his cap hit would be reduced from $21 million to just $5.2 million, but spread out over this season and the two seasons thereafter.
This would enable the Sixers to find savings of almost $16 million this season, which could be critical as they’re looking to re-sign Tobias Harris to what should be a max contract. Anderson’s stretched contract could go a long way towards saving them a massive amount of money by avoiding the luxury tax (or at least reducing the luxury tax bill).
In addition to tax savings, the Sixers would get two talented young players in exchange for Jimmy Butler’s services, including Adebayo once again, and Justise Winslow who could replace his role with the Sixers.
Anderson’s inclusion would also allow the Miami Heat to send out more salary, enabling them to get under the tax apron. This package would involve the Heat sending out $37.72 million while only taking back $32.7 million, getting them safely $1 million and change below the apron.