RealGM

https://www.libertyballers.com/2025/1/3/24335348/jimmy-butler-trade-rumors-suspension-heat-nba-sixers-joel-embiid-paul-george

Towards the end of the article, it states: "If the Sixers were genuinely interested in a reunion with Butler, the easiest path would be a straight Butler/George swap, with Miami also sending a minimum contract either to the Sixers or a third team. (The Sixers could absorb that player via the minimum exception.)"

But it did say that if Miami balked at giving Jimmy an extension, then taking on PG's contract is probably a non-starter as well. If Miami were to take on PG's contract, Philly would probably need to add in a few 2nd rounders.

However, I think it keeps Miami competitive while getting rid of the Jimmy headache.

We didn't want to give Jimmy the contract because he was old and constantly injured. Now, we're going to give the same contract to a lesser player, also not overly suitable, who's a whopping 7 months younger? I'm not seeing it...

BBallFreak wrote:We didn't want to give Jimmy the contract because he was old and constantly injured. Now, we're going to give the same contract to a lesser player, also not overly suitable, who's a whopping 7 months younger? I'm not seeing it...

Yeah if the problem here is not wanting to commit long term money to a guy in his late 30s with a problematic injury history, swapping Butler for PG would seem like an odd decision.

Love Paul George. And think Philly should be really excited they signed him. Deal with 2028 in 2028.

But I don’t see the team, Miami included, that takes Paul George over Jimmy Butler, given the problem started as Jimmy wanting the same contract as Paul George?

Especially, since there’s potentially some wiggle room with Butler as the deal is not signed. not a lot of wiggle room obviously..

Paul George is a hot potato at this point. At least Jimmy's contract is shorter

jayjaysee wrote:But I don’t see the team, Miami included, that takes Paul George over Jimmy Butler, given the problem started as Jimmy wanting the same contract as Paul George?

It's conceivable that:

A) Philly wants Butler over George, does the deal. Reports are that was their first choice this summer, they've had Jimmy and he was really good there and who knows, maybe they're not impressed with George.

B) Some team wants George more than Butler despite the length of his deal because they don't think they have enough shooting to win with Butler, but do with George. The Pels are tanking, but in theory if healthy they woulda fit this with Zion at the 4. Fits with George, not with Butler. An example can probably be found for this year. An example this year I guess would be Minnesota with McDaniels and Randle going out. There are probably others. Sacramento comes to mind if they'll throw picks on top of a DeMar + Huerter + Devin Carter offer as an example.

I do wonder if Morey started adding firsts to the offer to get it done, whether that could change Riley's thinking on the matter.

Ell Curry wrote:

jayjaysee wrote:But I don’t see the team, Miami included, that takes Paul George over Jimmy Butler, given the problem started as Jimmy wanting the same contract as Paul George?

It's conceivable that:

A) Philly wants Butler over George, does the deal. Reports are that was their first choice this summer, they've had Jimmy and he was really good there and who knows, maybe they're not impressed with George.

B) Some team wants George more than Butler despite the length of his deal because they don't think they have enough shooting to win with Butler, but do with George. The Pels are tanking, but in theory if healthy they woulda fit this with Zion at the 4. Fits with George, not with Butler. An example can probably be found for this year. An example this year I guess would be Minnesota with McDaniels and Randle going out. There are probably others. Sacramento comes to mind if they'll throw picks on top of a DeMar + Huerter + Devin Carter offer as an example.

Honestly, after I posted that.. I thought about Detroit for a pretty similar reason.

No tax issues coming, want another weapon that keeps floor open for Cade..

Though they wouldn’t add a prospect near Carter’s level, but would be offering complete tax relief for Miami and everybody loves a Tobias for Jimmy deal.

Miami going to trade Butler for Sasser, OKC first, Tobias, Simone and a stack of 2nds?