The Miami Heat are unlikely to hold Jimmy Butler hostage this season.
By trading their irritated superstar to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Heat could receive a misunderstood 34-year-old wing in return.
“Some will wonder about the feasibility of that (Paul) George-for-Butler framework, especially as the Sixers are armed with some valuable draft picks,” Philly Voice’s Adam Aaronson wrote last Tuesday.
“Consider this, though: this Butler saga in Miami started because the Heat refused to engage in substantive talks with him about a contract extension.”
“All indications were that despite Butler’s brilliance on the floor and track record of carrying two Miami teams to the NBA Finals, the Heat felt his aging and durability issues made it unreasonable for him to receive an extension.”
“The Heat were unwilling to commit long-term to a 35-year-old Butler after all he has done for the organization and what he has shown as a playoff riser who is capable of leading a team to tremendous heights.”
“Why would they have any interest in trading for a 34-year-old George, who is in the first season of a massive four-year contract, has not shown either of those traits in several years and may have an even more concerning injury history?”
While George is an established superstar in the big leagues, he’s earned an unfair reputation for caring less about his play on the hardwood and more about his evolving ‘Podcast P’ show.
Sure, George spends time perfecting his craft in the podcasting world, but his No. 1 priority is helping the 76ers turn their season around and reach the postseason in April.
As Philadelphia’s third scoring option, George averages 16.5 points on 41.7% field goal shooting and 34.1% long-range shooting.
If the poetic side-to-side ball handler improves his efficiency over time, he could play a vital role in the 76ers’ potential comeback story.
The Heat likely respect George’s game and believe he’s still an underrated talent in Year 15, but if they’re going to cut ties with their best player, they would probably want to acquire an asset with similar playoff success at Butler.
More importantly, there’s a good chance Philadelphia isn’t prepared to call it quits on a player they went all-in on in the offseason.
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