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General managers around the league have contacted the Philadelphia 76ers to see if Sixers small forward Jimmy Butler is available via trade, according to Yaron Weitzman of Bleacher Report.
Last week, a report surfaced claiming that Jimmy Butler challenged head coach Brett Brown during a film session about how Brown is using him on offense.
The Sixers have a winning record since acquiring Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves, but there are questions if Butler, big man Joel Embiid and point-forward Ben Simmons can co-exist for the long-haul.
Butler, 29, can become a free agent after this season ends if he declines his 2019-20 player option, something he will do since more money is available to him on the open market.
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According to a Sixers source, opposing GMs have already called to ask if this latest blowup means Butler might be on the market. This, as rumors swirl around NBA circles that the Sixers, spooked that Butler will bolt when he becomes a free agent this summer, are contemplating dealing Butler before the trade deadline.
The Sixers source firmly denied that the team has even considered dealing Butler. But it's worth noting that the vulture around the NBA have emerged.
Also, worth remembering as the season progresses: It was ownership, and specifically managing partner Josh Harris, that originally pushed for the Butler deal.
Jimmy Butler had locker room issues in Chicago and Minnesota. Both the swingman and Brett Brown have denied that they have any issues with one another, but it is a situation to monitor considering Butler's past.
In 21 games with the Sixers, Butler has averaged 18.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
