NBA Trade Rumors: Other Teams Offering, But 76ers Want To Keep Jimmy Butler

Star NBA player Jimmy Butler already forced his way out of one team this season, and some think another trade for the 29-year-old could be coming. However, according to a report from Bleacher Report, teams are calling the Philadelphia 76ers about Butler.

Citing league sources, Bleacher Report’s Yaron Weitzman said at least one other NBA team has inquired about trading for Butler, but the 76ers have “never considered” moving on from him in that way. Butler’s contract carries a cap hit of more than $20 million and he is an unrestricted free agent this summer, barring an extension from Philly.

That means the 76ers could, theoretically, try to deal him before the Feb. 7 trade deadline in order to get something in return, if they do not think he will stay after this season. It also means any team that trades for Butler this year might get a short-term rental and nothing more.

The newest round of speculation surrounding Butler came from an ESPN report that Butler had “aggressively challenged” 76ers head coach Brett Brown on the team’s offensive rotation. The problem apparently came to a head during a film session in Portland, but both Brown and Butler have downplayed concerns about their relationship in the time since.

To some, the incident may have been reminiscent of a preseason practice in which Butler taunted Minnesota Timberwolves teammates, coaches and executives. He had requested a trade prior to that incident, but ended up staying with the team for another month after the infamous practice. He started 10 games in Minnesota before being traded to Philadelphia.

Butler’s scoring average is down slightly from previous years, but he has played well for the 76ers. He is averaging 18 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, while shooting 46 percent from the floor and 38 percent from three. He is also playing five fewer minutes per game than he did in Minnesota and Chicago.