Philadelphia 76ers Reportedly Interested In Jimmy Butler

https://thespun.com/.image/c_fit%2Ch_800%2Cw_1200/MTgzMTI4NDYwNDI3OTI4OTk1/philadelphia-76ers-v-miami-heat.jpg

03/05/2024 19:36

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat laughs with Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at American Airlines Arena on December 28, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated from the NBA Playoffs on Thursday night by the New York Knicks.

Tobias Harris' massive contract comes off the books this offseason, opening the door for the Sixers to sign a top player.

One report indicates that they have their eye on a possible reunion with a former star.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Sixers "are expected to monitor" Jimmy Butler and his status with the Miami Heat this offseason.

Butler is under contract with the Heat through at least next season. He has a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season before once again becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Butler is one of the best playoff performers in basketball, and the 76ers haven't been able to get past the second round of the playoffs since beginning "The Process" era with Joel Embiid.

Butler played for the Sixers during the 2018-19 season, helping them to the playoffs where they lost to the eventual NBA champion Toronto Raptors in a seven-game series.

The 76ers had a choice to make between Butler and Tobias Harris in 2019, and they chose to go with Harris after Butler decided to move on to Miami.

After the likely end of Harris' Sixers tenure on Thursday, it appears that the team is attempting to right their wrong from five years ago by bringing Butler back.

There's currently no indication that Butler wants to leave Miami, but if he does make that decision, expect the 76ers to be interested.

The Eastern conference could look very different next season as the 76ers attempt to retool their roster before going on another run at the postseason.