The Philadelphia 76ers will have to figure out what to do with Jimmy Butler. Should they let him walk or pay the small fortune to keep him? In 2018, Butler's presence forced fans to think NBA Finals. However, just like last season, the Sixers faltered in the second-round. Now, it comes down to money and if the 76ers can change course. That all depends on the Jimmy Butler decision.
Is signing Butler the right move for this young team moving forward?
What about the core the Philadelphia 76ers had before Butler was traded there? Truth be told, the 76ers were in the same position with Robert Covington and Dario Saric. Butler proved no other gratification. If anything, his presence warranted a title run which failed, so why pay him? If the 76ers don't, some other team will and that may not be a bad thing.
There are other areas the team must focus on where the money for a max deal for one player can be spent elsewhere. Butler's deal could cost them up to $25+ million per. That will leave the team with roughly $9M left and what serviceable players out there will be willing to continue to sell themselves short yearly? Butler is good, but the 76ers best shot at a title may not be with Butler.
Here are 3 reasons why the Philadelphia 76ers should not sign Jimmy Butler to a max contract.
Too Much Money
Is Jimmy Butler really worth a max deal? Butler is easily a 20-point per night scorer. But what has he done to justify a max? In today's game, a player has to do nothing really but have one great season and his price tag goes up. Butler has been the main offensive focal point of almost every team he's played on but where have those teams gone?
Butler has yet to reach the NBA Finals. And while that may be a bit unfair to him in terms of max money, this is the ceiling the NBA must take. However, handing over money to unproven players is a bit of the norm, so why not Jimmy? He's good and still has room to become great but the 76ers giving him top dollar makes no sense. There are two reasons why. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Both players are the cornerstones of the team's future and giving Butler that much money may cause friction. A player taking just 13.6 shots per game does not need a max deal from the 76ers.
Takes Away From Other Needs
Let's say Elton Brand forks over the house to Butler, then what? According to Spotrac, the 76ers will head into the summer with only six players signed and a cap space totaling over $34 million. Butler will look to make at least $25 million per and that will put a huge dent in the 76ers' plans. He's an exciting player, helped Philly reach 50 wins and a second-round appearance in the playoffs but, they were there a year before without him.
The team needs role players and a scorer who can penetrate and hit from the perimeter but not cost them an arm and leg. Butler averaged 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists for the 76ers while shooting .461 percent from the floor. Good player but the team needs more. Giving away that much to one player does not guarantee a deep run. Brand must use Butler's money and add a starter or two plus build a second unit the team can rely on.
Not A Great Fit
Regardless of the record for the 2018-19 season, Jimmy Butler and this current core are not a perfect fit. As mentioned earlier, how did the 76ers fare before Butler arrived? A max contract should be for a player who changes the landscape of a team. Butler has done no such thing. A couple of clutch basket here and there does not warrant that.
With Embiid on the floor, he wants to be that guy who takes the last-second winner. But so does Butler. Giving two max contracts (at least until Simmons is due an extension) on one roster will draw a line in the sand. As young as the teams' core is, this is not needed. The Philadelphia 76ers were built through the draft and while Bulter is a veteran presence, can he subdue his ego enough to fall in line? There was already a bit of confusion early on as players made small gripes concerning playing time and shots. Butler has been known to lead a renegade charge. Just hope a max deal does not create another monster.
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