Philadelphia 76ers fans can’t fault the franchise for not trying to keep Jimmy Butler, because they reportedly offered him a max contract to bring his services back to them and make another deep playoff run.
The 76ers front office put a 5-year, $190 million deal on the table and Butler turned it down.
He decided to take his talents to the Miami Heat and sign a deal worth $141 million instead. That is a difference of almost $50 million Butler left on the table.
Via NBC Sports:
“Butler’s trip to Miami was not a leverage play. A source close to the situation says Butler was indeed offered the five-year, $190 million full max from Philly, but Butler wanted to move on. And perhaps the Sixers put the offer on the table with the understanding that Butler wouldn’t take it.
Even if the Sixers deeply wanted Butler back, both sides can confidently say they’re in better places now. With a $141 million deal in hand, Butler will spend his early 30s in South Florida under Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley, two gym rats who seem to mirror Butler’s basketball DNA.”
Butler clearly wants to be the man and the first option on his own team. It also helps that he gets to live in Miami that has some of the most beautiful beaches and women in the United States. Sounds like a win-win.
