Jimmy Butler is one of a number of star players who are expected to opt out of their contracts and become free agents this summer, and it does not sound like he is a lock to re-sign with the Philadelphia 76ers just because they can offer him the most money.
The 76ers can offer Butler a five-year, $188 million contract. Other teams can “only” pay him $141 million over four years, so there is a significant gap in terms of guaranteed money and financial security. When asked about his impending free agency decision on Monday, Butler indicated money won’t be the only factor he considers.
“Technically I think, knock on wood, I will get a max contract anywhere I choose to go,” Butler said, per Marc Narducci of Philly.com. “So if you are talking a four-year, five-year, that is more than enough money anyway. I think I still have more than enough money now from my first deal.”
That’s actually a refreshing take, as most athletes find it tough to admit when they have plenty of money. Butler has already made nearly $80 million in his career and is going to blow past $200 million in career earnings with his next deal, so it makes sense that he isn’t overly concerned about the 76ers being able to offer him more than other teams.
Butler averaged 19.4 points per game in the playoffs and played a huge role in Philly’s series against the Toronto Raptors, so fans obviously want to see him stick around. However, the Sixers knew there was a risk of him only being a rental when they acquired him, and it may not pay off after an early postseason exit.
