It’s not a news flash anymore. Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat are imminent to separate. The reports suggest he will play out the remainder of his contract, but his scouting for a new home has already begun. Until now, the Brooklyn Nets seemed to be the most popular destination, given their financial flexibility. However, with their handling of Ben Simmons, Jimmy Buckets’ interest in the club is also palpable.

The Brooklyn Pod uncovered the matter, with Bob Windrem saying Jimmy Butler is attracted to the allure of playing in New York. He has also heard great things about the franchise through his agent Bernie Lee, who also happens to be representing Ben Simmons. “Jimmy Butler’s interest in the Brooklyn Nets is very, very real. Part of it is New York. Part of it is that Bernie Lee, who is Ben Simmons’ age, is very happy with how his client has been dealt with by the Nets,” he said on the podcast.

With Ben Simmons, despite his recurring ailments, the franchise has shown patience throughout the process. Notably, the former Sixers guard underwent two back surgeries over three years. Additionally, the coach Jordi Fernandez even went to visit the Aussie to check up on his recovery post his back surgery.

As for the personal connection, Jimmy Butler and Ben Simmons also spent some time together at the 76ers. Their efforts alongside Joel Embiid landed an appearance in the ECF in 2019. If it wasn’t for Kawhi Leonard‘s miraculous yet gentle series winner in Game 7, their history might have looked a lot different. On the other hand, JB’s situation with the Vice City still seems unchanged as well. His rift with President Pat Riley might be irreparable after he publicly criticized the franchise star’s commitment to the regular season.

But with all that said, why would the Nets think of reuniting Butler and Simmons when they could enhance their rebuilding process?

Jimmy Butler and the Nets’ paths simply don’t align

For context purposes, by the time Jimmy Butler does become a UFA, he will be 35. Currently, Brooklyn only has two players over the age of 30. Their intentions are far from competing. They let Mikel Bridges walk directly across to the New York Knicks. Bowing down to their city rivals indicated one thing. They aren’t concerned with winning games.

The objective is clear-cut. A progressive rebuild is in place for the Nets. Even the likes of Cam Johnson, a budding marksman could be traded to attain draft capital and set them up nicely for the future. With the upcoming class containing a touted generational prospect, Cooper Flagg, Brooklyn may be willing to bet their odds on landing the top pick rather than adding a veteran.

Even Bob Windrem admitted, “I have no idea at this point how the Nets feel about it…He doesn’t fit the timeline. Would I be surprised if there were rumors that the Nets were interested in him? No. The Nets liked that people thought they were interested in Damian Lillard two years ago when they were not.”

Yes, Jimmy Butler would be an outstanding mentor and, given his personality, a tempting fit in New York. But what about his title aspirations? The one thing that jumps out from his career is that the former Bulls forward embraces the rush of big moments. His 56-point explosion against the Bucks still has Heat Nation buzzing. When fighting and scrapping are in his blood, why settle for a bottom dweller?

Additionally, Ben Simmons’ $40 million contract could also be leveraged by the Nets to stack young, promising pieces to their roster. But because of the drastic decline in his appeal, it might be tough to attract a suitor for the Boomer. At the very least, the Nets might enjoy the attention that comes along with it. The Big Apple is a destination, and a big market is a magnet for megastars. No move can be ruled out. But given their positions and outlook toward building a base for the future, it’s a difficult picture to paint.

Even if Jimmy Butler loves New York, it doesn’t work if it’s one-sided.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.