During the summer of 2019, the Philadelphia 76ers had a choice between Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. At that point in time, the objective was to build a championship contender around Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
They ended up picking Harris over Butler as the former put pen to paper on a five-year, $180 million deal. For his part, Butler got shipped off to the Miami Heat on a four-team deal trade that netted Philly Josh Richardson and Meyers Leonard.
Philadelphia 76ers Want to Make Things Right With Jimmy Butler
If the Sixers had an opportunity to go back in time to change their decision, I’m pretty sure they would. However, since a time machine has not yet been invented, it appears that they will be settling for the next best thing.
The Sixers reportedly want to make amends five years later. According to team insider Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philly is on the brink of making a huge summer move to pry Butler from the Miami Heat:
“Talking to my sources, the 76ers’ ownership group — they kinda regret what they did five years ago [in trading Jimmy Butler] and they see the success that he’s had. And they realize … he could be in their eyes, the missing piece, and they’re willing to give him the money he wants.”
Apparently, Butler wants a max deal, which could be something that Miami is unwilling to give him. The six-time All-Star has just one guaranteed year left on his contract, which could force the Heat’s hand on cashing in on him now while they still can.
Should they decide to do so, it appears that the Sixers will be in front of the line.
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