With negotiations over a contract extension looming, the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler are approaching a crossroads that could threaten Butler’s future in Miami.
We get into the particulars of those negotiations here, but the TL;DR version is that Butler is expected to ask for a maximum extension that would pay him an average of $54 million annually over the next three seasons and the Heat might not be willing to pay an aging Butler that kind of money.
If that happens, the scenario that Butler asks for a trade has to be considered. Local beat reporters and national media have eluded to the possibility. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said Friday that the Philadelphia 76ers could be a “team to watch” for a Butler trade.
ESPN's Windy said today that 76ers are a team to watch for Butler trade. Remember, 76ers have no vets under contract except Embiid/Paul Reed. So deal would need to be for 3 1sts and 3 pick swaps, with Butler going into 76ers' cap space.https://t.co/wMJAwp30ZU
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) May 3, 2024
Here, we explain…
Philadelphia 76ers take Butler into cap space
The 76ers are projected to have more than $55 million in cap space, so they could conceivably absorb Butler’s $48.8 salary for next season without having to send any salary out.
For a team with title aspirations that was just bounced in the first round, bringing Butler back could be the piece that puts them over the top. Butler and Joel Embiid still have a good relationship from when they were teammates during the 2018-19 season.
The Heat would get back multiple first-round picks, create $10 million in cap space and financial flexibility below the luxury tax.
If Butler and the Heat can’t agree on an extension and the 76ers are willing to pay Butler the max, then this scenario could be in play.
Here are a few more Jimmy Butler trade ideas.