Inside The Heat

Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler Reportedly Part Of Superstar Pool For Philadelphia 76ers

Anthony Pasciolla|
Apr 14, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) brings the ball up the court against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) brings the ball up the court against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports | Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

A reunion between Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler and the Philadelphia 76ers is looming as the organization reportedly desires a maximum-salary player.

The Heat should tread carefully about moving Butler because contract disagreements could result in a trade request. He is eligible for a two-year, $113 million max extension this summer. Butler, 34, is reportedly in the pool of superstars the Sixers have their eyes on, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey.

"The Sixers want a maximum-salary player via free agency or a trade from a pool that includes Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, and New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram," Pompey reported.

Adding Butler to the tandem of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey immediately vaults the 76ers into championship contention with the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. The duo of Embiid and Butler proved effective in their one season together in 2019 before falling to Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors in the playoffs.

Philadelphia's front office then made the decision to re-sign Tobias Harris over Butler, a choice that could ultimately prevent a trade due to a lack of trust. The consensus is the 76ers chose the wrong forward because Harris averaged 17.2 points on 48.7 percent shooting last season compared to Butler's 20.8 points on 49.9 percent shooting.

Butler is also one of the best playoff risers while Harris went scoreless in their final postseason game against the New York Knicks.

Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or check out his TikTok @apasciolla.

Follow all of our Miami Heat coverage on Facebook HERE

Subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE

Published | Modified
Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com

Share on XFollow anthonypasci