Miami Heat: Philadelphia 76ers Tried to Make a Move for Jimmy Butler in Offseason
In the 2024 offseason, the Philadelphia 76ers signed Paul George using their mountain of cap space. The move has not proved to be a grand success yet, but there is hope for the future. On the other hand, it looks like another All-Star was also on their radar in the summer.
As the NBA season continues, the biggest name on the market appears to be that of Jimmy Butler. His time in South Beach looks set to be coming to an end as he is believed to have informed the Miami Heat that he would like to be traded before the deadline.
Butler's situation with the Heat hasn't been smooth since the 2024 offseason. After a loss to the Indiana Pacers, he told reporters that he wants to find his joy again. When asked if he could find that in Miami, he responded with "probably not."
Butler, who has led the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances over the last five seasons, is having his least productive season in over a decade. He's putting up just 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game despite shooting a career-high 55.2% from the field.
It's clear Butler needs something to help him rediscover his spark on the floor, and a change of scenery could be the best option.
Last offseason, Joel Embiid reportedly pushed the Philadelphia 76ers to acquire Butler from the Heat before the George signing. According to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports: "Over the summer, Philadelphia tried to engage Miami on a Butler deal before agreeing to terms with George — Joel Embiid wanted a reunion with Butler and pushed for it, according to sources who spoke to Yahoo Sports over the summer and recently."
Butler's time in Philadelphia was short as he played just 55 regular-season games and 12 postseason games for the franchise in 2018-19. He was traded to the Heat that offseason.
In their brief time as teammates, Butler and Embiid appeared to build up a good bond, and it is not hard to understand why the former league MVP pushed for a reunion.
