NBA Rumors: Lakers, Sixers Battle For Right To Sign Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler is another popular name expected to receive offers from NBA ballclubs although the Philadelphia 76ers remain the team to offer him the most money. And while that could be something hard to refuse for the 29-year-old swingman, another thing Butler would be looking at is a team capable of winning and making it all the way to the Larry O'Brien trophy.

As of this writing, there are at least two teams hot on the trail of Butler. Aside from the Sixers, the Los Angeles Lakers are the other team expected to try and lure the 30th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft. As mentioned in a previous post, LeBron James had done his part when he reached out and talked with the 6-foot-8 cager last month. The three-time NBA champion began his own version of the recruiting process, contacting Butler and Kawhi Leonard as well.

Butler knows that he can get a max contract anywhere he goes, CBS Sports reported. And while the Sixers may hold a slight edge in terms of numbers, the big question is will Philly perform better in the 2019-20 NBA wars. Last season, the Sixers advanced to the NBA playoffs but were bumped off by eventual NBA champion Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Semifinals thanks to a buzzer-beater by 2018-19 NB Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, NBC Sports reported.

Without question, the Sixers could very well improve on that showing next season. Compared to the rebuilding Lakers, the chances of making it all the way to the NBA Finals are better in Philly. But then again, a lot of that would depend on how the purple and gold rebuild its franchise this summer. The Lakers are expected to be aggressive in the offseason with several high profile names being targeted. That includes Anthony Davis, perhaps the only other high profile player the Lakers have on their wish list right now. Los Angeles also owns the rights to the fourth overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft.

"You always want to be able to win. I think that's key, for sure. You're looking at coaches, you're looking at the city. There's a lot that goes into it," said Butler, possibly hinting at the things he will factor in before signing with any team. Should he leave the Sixers, the four-time NBA All-Star would be joining his fourth team since entering the league back in 2011.