A reunion between Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler and the Philadelphia 76ers is looming as the organization reportedly desires a maximum-salary player.
The Heat should tread carefully about moving Butler, as contract disagreements could result in a trade request. He is eligible for a two-year, $113 million max extension this summer. The 34-year-old is reportedly in the pool of superstars the Sixers have their eyes on, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey.
"The Sixers want a maximum-salary player via free agency or a trade from a pool that includes Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, and New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram,"Adding Butler to the tandem of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey immediately vaults the 76ers into championship contention with the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.
The following offseason, Philadelphia's front office made the decision to re-sign Tobias Harris over Butler, a choice that could ultimately prevent a trade due to a lack of trust. The consensus is the 76ers chose the wrong forward, as Harris averaged 17.2 points on 48.7 percent shooting last season compared to Butler's 20.8 points on 49.9 percent shooting.