Kofi Inkoom
Jimmy Butler is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, but there’s a chance he might be traded if the Miami Heat don’t offer him a max extension. The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly very interested in acquiring him.
NBA insider Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer recently suggested that the Cleveland Cavaliers should also be considered as a potential trade destination for Jimmy Butler and the league should “pay attention” to them.
“This is just me talking, I didn’t ask anybody questions or anything like that,” Pompey remarked. “But the one team that if they (Miami) were willing to trade Jimmy — I don’t know if they are — the one team I would pay attention to is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Because Rich Paul said if you give Donovan Mitchell an extension, then you know they probably want to get Darius Garland out of there.”
Pompey added, “Now that’s what the reports are saying, but I think that right now it’s up to Cleveland to make a decision. But to me, I don’t know if Jimmy would want to go there.”
Butler is set to earn $48.8 million next season and has a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025-26 season. The Heat were defeated by the Boston Celtics in the first round of this year’s playoffs in five games, with Butler sidelined due to a knee injury.
A six-time All-Star, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 60 games this season, shooting 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from three-point range, and 85.8% from the free-throw line.
Throughout his career, Butler has averaged 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks, playing for the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat. He has been named to five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams.
Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell is expected to sign a $200 million extension with the Cavaliers this offseason, which could lead to Darius Garland being traded once Mitchell’s extension is secured.