Jimmy Butler will reportedly not rule out joining the Houston Rockets this summer, but the four-time All-Star has continued to express an appreciation for the Miami Heat franchise to his representatives, according to Stefano Fusaro of ESPN.
For Butler to get on the Rockets or Heat, the Philadelphia 76ers would have to execute a sign-and-trade with Houston or Miami.
Per sources, Jimmy Butler will not rule the Rockets out, but he has continued to express an appreciation for the Heat franchise to his representatives. Just as it was when he requested a trade from the Wolves, Miami is a real possibility. https://t.co/2Y145iXsgT
— Stefano Fusaro (@S_Fusaro) June 29, 2019
When Butler requested a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves at the beginning of the 2018-19 season, the Heat aggressively tried to acquire the talented swingman. Jimmy has made it known privately he wants to play for the Heat. Miami president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra are said to be big fans of Jimmy Buckets.
The Sixers can offer Butler a five-year max contract. The Rockets and Heat don't have the salary cap space to sign Jimmy outright. Houston could potentially send Philly Eric Gordon and Clint Capela for Butler, while the Heat could send the Sixers Josh Richardson and Bam Adebayo.
Butler averaged 18.2 points in 55 games with the Sixers during the regular season. He took his game to another level in the 2019 playoffs, putting up 19.4 points while shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 87.5 percent from the free-throw line.
Jimmy Butler is also being pursued by LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, who freed up a third max slot on Thursday.
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