Philadelphia 76ers general manager Elton Brand won't make much of Jimmy Butler's reported run-ins with players and coaches, even downplaying an earlier event that saw him challenge Sixers coach Brett Brown over his role and pick-and-roll opportunities.
Brown was reportedly asking for ideas and opinions and Butler offered up his thoughts in his usual lively, fiery way, an incident Brand believes was blown out of proportion:
“Even with the story that was reported, that wasn’t a big deal,” Brand said, referring to an ESPN report in January that asserted Butler “aggressively challenged” Brown, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times. “He didn’t curse. He wasn’t loud. It was his reputation following him.”
Butler has developed a reputation as a combative player, and no moment was more evident that his profanity-laced tirade in practice with the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this season, one that set the tone for his mysterious start of the season and eventual trade to the Sixers.
Philly seems to be working out the final kinks of the chemistry, now boasting the help of another All-Star-caliber talent in Tobias Harris, who has proved to be the glue on this roster.
The Sixers will have to make a decision on both Butler and Harris in the offseason, as both players will become unrestricted free agents looking for a large sum to put their careers at ease.
Brand previously said he intends to keep all four stars in their lineup, but doing so would cost a pretty penny as Joel Embiid's extension kicks in and Ben Simmons
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