People in and around the Philadelphia 76ers are concerned that small forward Jimmy Butler will leave the franchise in the summer, according to John Gonzalez of The Ringer.
Jimmy Butler can become an unrestricted free agent after this season if he declines his 2019-20 player option with the Sixers. The four-time All-Star will certainly do that since he can make more money by entering the open market.
The question of what to do at the trade deadline is tethered to another pressing issue: Butler’s upcoming free agency. People in and around the organization have expressed concern to me that Butler could bolt this offseason
Philly acquired Jimmy Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves in November. While the Sixers are 34-19 on the season and tied for third place in the Eastern Conference, things behind the scenes haven't been smooth all the time.
Butler aggressively challenged Sixers head coach Brett Brown during a film session about how he was being used on offense. ESPN reported that witnesses described Butler being disrespectful to Brown. The 29-year-old swingman was a locker room issue with the Chicago Bulls and Timberwolves as well.
In 31 games with the Sixers, Butler is averaging 18.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Some around the league believe the two-way player has eyes on the LA Clippers, Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks in free agency.
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