The Sixers have three players from their current starting lineup who will be unrestricted free agents this summer and small forward Jimmy Butler is seen by NBA execs as the most likely player to be elsewhere next season, according to Sean Deveney of Sporting News.
Butler, swingman Tobias Harris and shooting guard J.J. Redick all enter the open market in the offseason.
But of all the scenarios that could play out in Philadelphia when this season ends — with three free agents in the starting five — Butler is still seen by front-office execs around the league as the most likely of the Sixers to be elsewhere next season.
The Sixers acquired Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves in November. Butler requested a trade from the Timberwolves.
A four-time All-Star, Butler is averaging 18.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game with the Sixers. He's shooting 47.0 percent from the field, 34.1 percent from beyond the arc and 87.1 percent from the free-throw line.
Butler verbally challenged head coach Brett Brown in a film session earlier in the season. Things have been smooth for the team since then, though. Philly is 47-25 on the season, which is good for third place in the Eastern Conference standings.
It's believed Butler wants to be the main guy on a team. Joel Embiid is that player in Philadelphia. Only time will tell if Butler stays with the Sixers or takes his talents elsewhere.
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