Shocking development could set the 76ers up for an all-time fleece job

Daryl Morey may be far from the most universally loved individual in the NBA-verse, thanks to his near-intrusive and star-laden inquiries and a certain someone’s recent character assassination directed to him, but if there’s anything he’s proven as head of the snake for the Philadelphia 76ers, it’s that he has a sharp eye for potential heists.

Fortunately, this offseason will be another big canvas he can freely paint on his own volition. No other team looking to contend has more firepower than the 76ers this summer, and as long as the longtime executive remains alive and kicking, there is a chance that Philly comes up as a sneaky victor in most, if not all their transactions.

How the 76ers can pull off a grand Jimmy Butler heist

The 76ers’ shot at a fleece job could be staring them right in the eye soon. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the 76ers are prepared to offer Jimmy Butler a max extension in case he gets traded to the team, offering a ton more financial security than Miami, whose team president expressed hesitation just a few weeks ago.

Butler, who sat out the postseason due to injury, is eligible for an extension, but the Heat brass hasn’t cozied up to re-upping him on his lofty terms, at least not yet. Riley previously noted that health would be a defining factor on whether they hand him another contract to stay in Miami or not.

"We have not discussed that internally right now but we have to look at making that kind of commitment. That's a big decision on our part to commit those kinds of resources unless you have somebody who's going to be there and available every single night. That's the truth."

The All-Star’s willingness to return to Philadelphia, however, remains to be seen. His departure from the franchise in 2019 wasn’t exactly ceremonious to say the least, although a talented nucleus and more money could be moving reasons for him to force the issue and reunite with the 76ers.

Also, Riley put out a short and flat “no” when asked about whether they would consider trading Butler this summer. But of course, they have to conduct more than due diligence if their inhibitions on extending the All-Star fail to decay, especially considering the waning title window of their current group.