Sixers Readying Max Offer For Jimmy Butler?

Executives around the NBA expect the Sixers to make a max offer to Jimmy Butler, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on his latest podcast (hat tip to SixersWire).

“I’ve been talking to some executives this week,” Windhorst said, “and the executives, I think, now believe that the Sixers will. I don’t know about the fifth year, like, full guaranteed, but yeah.”

Under the latest cap projections, Philadelphia could offer Butler a five-year deal worth $189.7MM, while the rest of the league is limited to four years at $140.6MM. Butler will be one of the hottest names on the free agent market once he officially opts out of his $19.84MM salary for next season.

Complicating matters for the Sixers is the upcoming free agency for fellow starters Tobias Harris and J.J. Redick, along with a potential rookie scale extension for Ben Simmons. With a large deal already in place for Joel Embiid, the Sixers will have to go well into luxury tax territory to keep the current team together long-term.

Butler was outstanding for Philadelphia after being acquired in a November trade with Minnesota, posting an 18.2/5.3/4.0 line in 55 games. He emerged as a leader in the playoffs, raising his numbers to 19.4/6.1/5.2 and hitting several clutch shots.

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