Report: Sixers Want To Bring Back Jimmy Butler On Max Extension

The Philadelphia 76ers had a good thing going a few years back when Jimmy Butler was teaming up with Joel Embiid in the 2018-19 season. After their unfortunate exit from the postseason that year due to one of the most iconic & memorable shots in playoff history, the Sixers somehow let Butler go in free agency and stuck with Tobias Harris instead.

Now that the Harris years are done and Philly has lots of cap space available, they're pining to make a big splash this offseason. And while pending free agent Paul George is still their top target, a reunion with Jimmy Buckets is on their mind as well, and per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, they're reportedly ready to throw... buckets of cash at him.

It’s no secret that the 76ers are closely monitoring Jimmy Butler’s contract situation with the Miami Heat. The Sixers view him as a fallback option if they are unable to sign Paul George in free agency. 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 has two seasons left on his deal but is extension-eligible this summer, is looking for a max deal, but it's unknown if the Miami Heat will grant it. A trade to Philly would get him the maximum salary he'd be looking for.

Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists for the Heat this season while shooting 41.4% from three-point range. He's entering his age-35 season next year, in which he's slated to earn $48.8 million. He has a player option for the season after that at $52 million.

The Sixers are said to have about $60 million in cap space this summer.