Philadelphia 76ers: Jimmy Butler speculation is reaching new highs

Jimmy Butler’s future with the Philadelphia 76ers is very much in question.

The Philadelphia 76ers will face a slew of potential suitors in the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes this summer. While most expect the Sixers to eventually offer five years and $190 million, it appears Butler will have his choice of quality options.

A potential sign-and-trade with the Houston Rockets is on the table. While I question his fit next to James Harden and Chris Paul, the Rockets are legitimate title contenders in an open Western Conference. Butler is also from the Houston area.

If Houston is able to convince Butler, the Sixers are open to a sign-and-trade, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick. There’s a chance it’s the most palatable option, as Eric Gordon and P.J. Tucker are viable candidates to arrive in Philadelphia as a result.

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The extent to which the Houston rumors have boiled over is worth noting. There’s a lot of noise in free agency, but the Rockets appear dead-set on pursuing Butler. There’s probably a reason ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and others are mentioning Houston so persistently.

In addition to the Rockets, both L.A. teams and Brooklyn have surfaced as potential destinations. According to Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher, the Nets have interest in pairing Butler with Kyrie Irving if Kevin Durant signs elsewhere. Butler and Irving are good friends and have been paired in rumor mills before.

Bucher also notes a new potential option in Butler’s camp — the Lakers. While past reports have stated Butler’s disinterest in joining LeBron James, Bucher claims Butler is now willing to consider a role next to LeBron and Anthony Davis. The Lakers, due to recent trade maneuvers, now have cap space for a max free agent.

Circling back to Amick’s report, there’s also interest in pairing Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler on the Clippers. Apparently there’s interest in Butler as a running mate in Leonard’s camp and the Clippers can clear max cap space via a Danilo Gallinari trade.

In terms of personality, Leonard and Butler are a pretty ideal fit. Leonard and Butler constantly stress one desire: to win. The Clippers have built a culture that caters to personalities in Leonard and Butler’s mold. It makes a great deal of sense.

To put it in simple terms, Butler will have options. Convincing options, too. If he doesn’t feel comfortable as the second or third option in Philadelphia, he can sign on to other contenders. The Lakers are desperate to max out talent around LeBron. The Clippers and Nets have built deep rosters and strong cultures. With the Clippers, he’d also reboot this bromance.

While the general consensus seems to favor Butler re-signing in Philadelphia, the Sixers are far from guaranteed his return. Butler, as well as Tobias Harris, will give consideration to other teams. Elton Brand will need to fight to run it back.