Jimmy Butler Rumors: 76ers FA 'Wishes to Play' for Heat; Will Tell Miami Execs
June 30, 2019
If the Miami Heat can figure out a way to make the money work, Jimmy Butler is reportedly ready to let them know he wants to play for them.
Per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, the expectation is Butler will tell Heat officials he "wishes to play" for them when they meet Sunday night at the start of the free-agent negotiating period.
The Heat have emerged as a serious threat to land Butler, though a deal would have to come through a sign-and-trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Miami is currently $35.1 million over the cap for 2019-20. One potential option reported by Brandon Robinson would be moving Goran Dragic to the Sixers as part of a sign-and-trade.
In addition to Butler's meeting with the Heat, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the four-time All-Star will meet with the Houston Rockets early this week in Los Angeles.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Butler and his agent are going to prioritize getting the fifth year on his contract, and that could be a deciding factor if he remains with Philadelphia.
Butler proved to be a critical piece for the 76ers during their playoff run last season. He averaged 19.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 12 postseason games.
