Gutsy 76ers-Heat trade would appease Joel Embiid — and undermine Philly’s entire offseason

The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler saga has become one of the most captivating in-season dramas, keeping NBA fans buzzing with speculation. The tension between the six-time All-Star and team president Pat Riley has reached a breaking point, culminating in Butler’s seven-game suspension and a financial hit of over $3 million. Now, the NBA world waits to see if Butler will truly find a new home after publicly declaring he’d welcome a trade to any of the 29 other teams.

While several teams — such as the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets — have reportedly ruled themselves out of the race for the 35-year-old veteran, a surprising option could emerge in the Eastern Conference: a reunion with Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.

A trade proposal: Jimmy Butler for Paul George

• Miami Heat receive: Paul George
• Philadelphia 76ers receive: Jimmy Butler

The Paul George experiment with the Philadelphia 76ers hasn’t gone as planned. Averaging 16.3 points in 31.7 minutes, George’s production has been underwhelming for a team that signed him to elevate its roster for a deeper playoff push. Injuries have hampered consistency, and his offensive struggles have only amplified the frustration. With George in the first year of a four-year, $212 million contract, the investment already feels questionable.

Meanwhile, the 76ers sit five games below .500, trying to claw their way back into playoff contention. A bold trade before the February 6 deadline could simultaneously address two key issues: it would bring in a player Embiid has openly admired and provide Miami with a replacement for Butler, albeit a riskier one.

Embiid, the reigning MVP, has made his feelings about Butler clear. After Butler left Philadelphia in 2019 to join the Heat, Embiid publicly called the decision to let him walk “a big mistake.” A reunion could rekindle the chemistry they displayed during their brief time as teammates and potentially reinvigorate the 76ers’ title hopes.

For the Heat, acquiring Paul George might not be a perfect solution, but it salvages value for a star who is on an expiring contract. Butler, now in his 35th year, has seen visible signs of decline on the court. Swapping him for George — who, despite his struggles, still has upside — might be the most pragmatic move Miami can make to maintain competitiveness.

For Philadelphia, the decision hinges on one question: is this trade about appeasing Embiid, or is there genuine faith that Butler can still be the catalyst for a championship push? Butler, though regressing, brings toughness and a playoff-tested resume that could complement Embiid’s dominance. However, the risk lies in his impending free agency; if Butler opts out and leaves after the season, the 76ers would be left empty-handed.

Paul George, on the other hand, is under contract for three more seasons, offering a degree of security. And with Philadelphia finding its stride recently, going 7-3 in its last 10 games, the front office might be hesitant to abandon its current trajectory.

This trade would be as much about messaging as it is about basketball. A move for Butler would signal a commitment to Embiid’s vision for the team, but it also comes with uncertainty about the long-term direction. For Miami, moving on from Butler could mark the end of an era while opening the door to younger, more durable talent.

Ultimately, time will tell if the 76ers are willing to bet on Butler's past glory or continue to place their faith in Paul George finding his form. One thing is certain: whichever star lands in Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s happiness — and perhaps the team’s championship hopes — hang in the balance.