4. Can Philly reunite with and steal Jimmy Butler from Miami?
Miami almost seemed as if it winged this season. Coming off an NBA Finals appearance last season, the Heat barely made it out of the play-in tournament before getting gentleman swept by the Boston Celtics. The messier aftermath is Jimmy Butler, amid an injury, taunting their first-round slayers, and eventually getting called out publicly by none other than Pat Riley.
Riley’s valid histrionics has undoubtedly put a dent on what was initially thought to be a lasting partnership. Instead, the longtime executive has made it clear that Butler would have to earn his desired extension, first by being healthy to actually be in the hardwood.
In the middle of those rumors, Philadelphia was rumored to be a possible trade destination for Butler should the water break loose. Does it really make sense for the All-Star, though? After his not-so-cozy departure from the city in 2019, it seems unlikely that the 76ers will be able to reunite with him. Heck, the odds of him ultimately re-upping with Miami despite all the drama are probably higher.