NBA Rumors: Jimmy Butler could reunite with Joel Embiid on 76ers after Pat Riley called out Heat star in offseason
Heading into the offseason, Jimmy Butler's name has popped up in trade rumors on numerous occasions. Following some choice comments from Pat Riley in his end-of-year press conference, one analyst brought up him returning to one of his former teams.
Among the jabs Riley took at Butler was for his comments on the Boston Celtics during their playoff run. He felt Butler should have kept his mouth shut since he wasn't playing at the time.
During Thursday's episode of "Get Up" on ESPN, a discussion broke out regarding Butler. It was there that Alan Hahn said the Heat star's days in Miami are numbered and he could wind back up on the Philadelphia 76ers. What made this segment even more thrilling is that longtime Heat big man Udonis Haslem was also on the panel of guests.
"Jimmy Butler's days in Miami are over," Hahn said.
"Daryl Morey is laying in the weeds. You remember the mistake the Sixers made. Daryl Morey might want to fix that mistake, bring Jimmy Butler back to Philly, and put together a band that should have been together years ago."
Butler spent a brief period with the Sixers in 2019 after being traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves. After coming up short against the Toronto Raptors, the All-Star forward got a change of scenery. The Sixers ended up executing a sign-and-trade with the Heat for Butler, where he has been ever since.
In Miami, Butler has led the Heat to the NBA Finals on multiple occasions. Meanwhile, the Sixers have gone through a revolving door of running mates for Joel Embiid in their quest for a championship.
NBA insider believes Golden State Warriors could also inquire about Jimmy Butler
As of now, there has been no reporting on the Miami Heat actually fielding offers for Jimmy Butler. Rumblings started after reports of him wanting a max contract extension, followed by Pat Riely essentially calling out the star forward.
Given his ties there, the Philadelphia 76ers have been the main team connected to Butler. That said, they might not be the only team to have interest in Butler if he's made available. In a recent story for The Athletic, insider Anthony Slater cited the Golden State Warriors as another team that could pusure Jimmy Butler.
"If Brandon Ingram hits the trade market, I would not expect the Warriors to show interest. If the Heat shop Jimmy Butler, I would expect the Warriors to enter the conversation to at least some degree."
With Klay Thompson's impending free agency, the Warriors could be looking for a new running mate for Steph Curry. Given the success Butler has had in the playoffs over the years, Golden State might view him as someone who could help add another title to their dynasty.
The Warriors would be an interesting trade partner for the Heat given their assets. Andrew Wiggins would have to be included for financial reasons, but then they could throw in enticing young players like Jonathan Kuminga and others.