Heat Rumors: Eyeing $113 Million Extension, Jimmy Butler Expected to Explore Free Agency; 76ers Remain Frontrunners

The Philadelphia 76ers are still in pursuit of a star-caliber player to join hands with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Despite the injuries and other issues, the Sixers were legitimate title contenders until their 7-foot Center was sidelined at a crucial moment. Yet Maxey stepped up to the occasion. Had there been a third star, there was no doubt Philly would still be in the playoffs. Under such circumstances, the ‘Keystone State’ is looking to make a deeper playoff run in the coming season. And for that, they reportedly consider Jimmy Butler a solution.

Yup, you heard it right! On the other hand, Paul George has been the frontrunner in the 76ers pursuit for a long time. But with new updates, it seems like they wouldn’t mind shaking hands with an old friend. Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang tweeted, “Jimmy Butler wants a max extension this offseason, preferably from the Heat. But whether it’s from the Heat or another team, he wants a max extension. Or Butler can become a free agent by declining his player option next offseason and look for a max contract then.” 

Clearly, Butler’s got his priorities straight. Chiang had mentioned that the 6x All-Star was seeking a 2-year $113 million extension with the Heat. The likelihood of Jimmy in any jersey other than Miami seems unlikely. However, if the front office declines to pay up, the 6’7 forward has no qualms about taking his business elsewhere.

The fact that Philadelphia has been “closely monitoring” Butler’s situation in Miami, as per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, they have the Marquette product as a backup option if the PG trade doesn’t fall through.

Jimmy Butler is currently under contract for $48.8 million for the 2024-25 season. His player option of $52.2 million is for the 2025-26 season. And the $113 million extension, if he gets it, would keep him through to the 2026-27 season.

Interestingly, though, the Heat doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to extend Butler’s contract.

Pat Riley says the Jimmy Butler max contract is a “big decision” 

It was at the end-of-season press conference that the Heat President dropped a big hint. He said, “That’s a big decision on our part to commit those kinds of resources unless you have somebody who’s going to be there and available every single night.”

Add the fact that, technically, they wouldn’t have to discuss or agree to anything until after a year. So, unless the 4x All-NBA Third-Teamer forces a trade, Butler would be playing in Miami. However, taking Chiang’s tweet into account, No. 22 seems determined to get that max contract now.

And that’s where the 76ers emerge as a legitimate threat. They have the resources and cap space to accommodate Jimmy Butler. They would only have to send draft capital back to Miami. It could be helpful for the Heat if they are planning on a rebuild in the wake of Butler’s move. They could also use it to pursue a star partner for Bam Adebayo.

Both Embiid and Butler are good friends and they have played together before. Not to mention, they are intent on chasing that ring in the coming season! Hence, Jimmy Butler and his ask for a max contract is as real as it comes.

How the parties involved are planning to go about it is what is in question. Well, we guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Before you go, another matter foremost in our mind is about our beloved Inside the NBA crew. While many are sure they are going to be disbanded, Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, thinks otherwise. To know more about his comments, watch this video.