7 Former players that have excelled since leaving the 76ers

1. Jimmy Butler

Philadelphia bought low on Jimmy Buckets after his Minnesota exit. Much has been written about Butler leaving the Timberwolves and why it cost the Sixers just three role players and a second-round pick to acquire a star. Butler was part of their 2019 team that nearly reached the conference finals, but his stay did not last long.

The 76ers had crucial decisions to make in the 2019 offseason. They decided to overpay Tobias Harris and give Ben Simmons a max contract instead of keeping Butler. Miami was eager to land a star and completed a sign-and-trade with Philly to get Jimmy Buckets on the Heat.

In the five years since, Butler has led the Heat to two NBA Finals and the 76ers have never advanced beyond the second round. Simmons lasted just two years before demanding a trade as Butler and Embiid still talk about teaming back up. This was a massive miss and hurt worse as Butler reached new heights.

The Philadelphia 76ers need talent and cannot afford to watch their players thrive elsewhere. Now is the time. They must nail this summer and build a title contender around Joel Embiid. If not, the franchise may undergo some massive changes and be back rebuilding in short order.