Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler reportedly has a max contract extension offer awaiting him this offseason, but not from his current team.
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia 76ers are “prepared” to extend a maximum-salary, two-year contract to the 34-year-old star if circumstances align for him to leave Miami.
Pompey reported, “And, according to sources, the Sixers are prepared to give Butler a maximum-salary extension if things align and he forces a trade out of Miami.” Butler, who turns 35 on September 14, is set to earn $48.8 million next season with a player option for $52.2 million in the 2025-26 season. The former Sixer is seeking a two-year maximum extension worth $113 million. There have been reports that the Heat may consider trading Butler rather than agreeing to his extension demands.
Backup option if they are unable to sign Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George
The Sixers view Butler as a backup option if they are unable to sign Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George in free agency. While George and Butler present similar value, Butler is particularly noted for his playoff performances and his previous stint with the Sixers. Butler spent less than a full season in Philadelphia, where the team experienced a heartbreaking postseason defeat against the Toronto Raptors.
Both George and Butler have struggled with availability issues. George has played fewer than 60 games in four of the last five seasons, and Butler has not appeared in more than 70 games since 2017. Despite this, Butler’s playoff prowess makes him an attractive option for the Sixers.
The Heat have not indicated any intentions of trading Butler, but team president Pat Riley is known for making bold moves and not always catering to his stars.
