NBA Rumors: Jimmy Butler Could Be New High Profile Player On The Block

Even before he arrived in Philadelphia, there were already concerns about how Jimmy Butler could fit in. Players like Joel Embiid complained about ball touches, and it would only be a matter of time before things would escalate.

According to ESPN, Butler had reportedly challenged the role of head coach Brett Brown regarding his role on offense. This includes a recent film session where Butler acted disrespectfully, something termed beyond a normal player-coach discourse. And like most coaches, Brown downplayed the issue even if the 29-year-old player has been known to apply an intense and direct style that many see as negative.

Either way, the building tension raises several questions on whether Butler is truly fit to be with the 76ers. Philly inherited his contract that lasts until the 2019-20 season although he has a player option after the current NBA season, according to Bleacher Report. The way things are going, it won't come as a surprise if he does opt out.

There is also the possibility that Butler could end up being shipped before the February trade deadline. Until now, he has not been mentioned as being among the potential players that could change teams. This development apparently changes all that.

Hence, teams who missed out on getting Butler could come into play once again. Among the teams who had expressed interest in Butler before were the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, and the Los Angeles Clippers, Fadeawayworld.net suggested back in September 2018.

Moving forward, there could be more teams in play in the event that the Sixers opt to ship out the 30th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft. The whole issue may be blown out of proportion, but the fact that Butler has a history of misaligned relationships points to a trade happening either in February or the offseason.

Speculation on the swingman's future may well come into play depending on how the Sixers are able to get Butler and the team on the same page. Embiid is one player who seems to be at odds with the Houston native and it remains to be seen if other players feel the same way.

Speaking of Houston, the Rockets could be a sensible landing spot if things do not go well. Mike D'Antoni is looking for a player who can play the wings, and Butler could be a fit to that need. If not, other teams like the New Orleans Pelicans or even the Los Angeles Lakers could enter the picture, depending on what trade assets are on the table.