76ers Rumor: Ominous Signs for Jimmy Butler’s Philly Return, as Daryl Morey Threatens Heat’s $113 Million Plan

Now that the Philadelphia 76ers are out of the playoffs after last night’s loss against the New York Knicks, they are headed toward the off-season. Speculations and predictions about the possible re-grouping of the Sixers’ team have been making the rounds, and one surprising name has come up. Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler might be reuniting with the Sixers soon.

ESPN’s NBA Special broke down the 76ers’ offseason plan after playoff elimination. According to NBA analyst Brian Windhorst, fans can expect Butler to come back to Philadelphia. General Manager Daryl Morey is currently eyeing Butler, Brandon Ingram, and Paul George. But why?

Butler and Sixers reunion?

Following this playoff exit, the episode gave a thorough analysis and prediction of the team’s possible offseason plan. It also provided insight into their tactical choices. Equipped with tradable draft picks and an incredible $60 million in cap space, Philadelphia has the resources to drastically alter its roster. While Brian Windhorst stoked the rumors, he hinted that Daryl Morey, the general manager of the Sixers, might have his sights set on planning Butler’s comeback.

Butler has two years left on his contract with the Miami Heat. According to Heat reporter Anthony Chiang, the player is currently looking to extend it. He is reportedly seeking a maximum two-year extension, valued at a staggering $113 million. It is anticipated that his team will try to push, and a failure to extend could result in Jimmy Butler parting ways with Miami.

Could Philadelphia be his next destination? Five years ago, Jimmy Butler had to leave Philly when the Sixers decided not to extend his contract. He was replaced by Tobias Harris, but now that Harris’ contract is coming to an end, the stage is set for a possible reunion.

Do the Sixers regret letting Jimmy Butler go?

The player’s run with Philadelphia lasted only from 2018 to 2019. There were a lot of reasons why the Sixers felt they had to let go of Jimmy Butler. Reports have claimed that the head coach at the time, Brett Brown, had a big role in it and that the two didn’t see “eye to eye.”

In a podcast with JJ Redick some time back, Jimmy Butler spoke about his issues with the way the team was being run. Moreover, Jimmy added that he didn’t know who was in charge, claiming, “I think that was my biggest thing. I didn’t know what the f**k to expect whenever I would go into the gym, when I’d go into the plane, or into the game. I was like, ‘Man.’ I think I was as lost as the next motherf**ker.” 

Now that Brett Brown has left the Sixers and has been replaced by Nick Nurse, Butler can consider moving back. With his possible comeback, fans can once again expect to see him in action with Sixers’ center Joel Embiid, a pair that has great chemistry on the court.

Embiid has said in the past that letting Jimmy Butler go was a mistake. As the off-season progresses, both Butler and Miami have an important decision on hand. Will the Heat extend their star player’s contract, or will Butler have to say goodbye to Miami to explore his options? Only time can tell.