NBA Free Agency 2019: 5 potential destinations for Jimmy Butler

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 02: Jimmy Butler #23 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers react after a timeout against the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 116-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 02: Jimmy Butler #23 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers react after a timeout against the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 116-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

1. Philadelphia 76ers

If the Sixers’ agonizingly close second-round playoff loss against the Toronto Raptors wasn’t reason enough for Butler to return, their ability to offer him more money than any other free-agent suitors can’t hurt.

Whereas rival teams can offer Butler no more than a four-year, $140.6 million deal, the Sixers can give him a five-year, $189.7 million contract. On a recent episode of The Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said executives around the league believe the Sixers will give Butler the max deal he desires.

“I’ve been talking to some executives this week and the executives, I think, now believe that the Sixers will [offer a max contract],” Windhorst said (via Sixers Wire’s Ky Carlin). “I don’t know about the fifth year, like, full guaranteed, but yeah.”

When the Sixers traded for Butler in November, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the two sides “fully expect[ed] to reach a deal on a long-term contract this summer.” While a midseason confrontation with head coach Brett Brown temporarily cast doubt on Butler’s long-term future in Philly, the two appeared to grow more fond of one another as the season wore on.

Next. Free agency destinations for Kyrie Irving. dark

So long as Brown learns to address Butler by the correct first name—Jimmy, not James—his willingness to install more pick-and-roll sets with Butler as the lead ball-handler bodes well for their long-term upside together. With a full training camp, preseason and regular season to mesh, Butler and the Sixers should be eyeing a deep playoff run next year.

Since Butler turns 30 in September, this summer may be his last chance to sign a megadeal. If he does prioritize winning above all else, locking into a core alongside a 25-year-old All-NBA center in Joel Embiid and a 22-year-old All-Star in Ben Simmons should appeal to him, especially given the Sixers’ financial advantages over other free-agent suitors.

Unless otherwise noted, all stats via NBA.com or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Basketball Insiders.

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