A Jimmy Butler reunion with the Philadelphia 76ers?

The Philadelphia 76ers could be in for a reunion ahead of the NBA’s February 8th trade deadline.

According to Bovada, the New York Knicks are considered the favorites to acquire Jimmy Butler IF the Miami Heat decide to trade him ahead of the deadline. In second place, we have our Philadelphia 76ers. 

Odds to acquire Jimmy Butler ahead of NBA Trade Deadline

• New York Knicks: +210
• Philadelphia 76ers: +225
• Sacramento Kings: +325
• Brooklyn Nets: +475
• Dallas Mavericks: +600
• Golden State Warriors: +700
• New Orleans Pelicans: +950

The Miami Heat have lost seven straight games and currently sit in seventh place in the Eastern Conference Standings at 24-23. It’s not crazy to think that they may want to unload players at the trade deadline and focus on building a stronger team for the future.

Butler is currently on a max contract with the Heat and is locked in until after the 2024-25 season. In 2025-26, he’ll have a player option before coming an unrestricted free agent following the 2026 season. 

The Sixers could trade for Butler and the numbers would work if Tobias Harris was included in the deal.

Tobias Harris part of a Jimmy Butler Trade?

• Philadelphia 76ers Incoming Cap: $45,183,960 (Jimmy Butler) 

• Philadelphia 76ers Outgoing Cap: $39,270,150 (Tobias Harris) 

Obviously, Harris isn’t the player that Jimmy Butler is, but his expiring contract at the end of this season is valuable. 

Harris is averaging 17.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over 33.9 minutes per game while shooting 50.8% from the floor and 35.6% from three point range. 

Butler is averaging 21.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over 33.7 minutes per game while shooting 49.1% from the floor and 42.6% from three point range. Then of course, there’s the “Playoff Jimmy” factor that we have seen time and time again, become invaluable when it counts. 

It will probably take more than Harris. Players like Jaden Springer and KJ Martin come to mind immediately. The Sixers also have draft picks which include a 2026 first round pick via OKC, HOU, or LAC. 

Note: OKC will receive the two most / more favorable of its 2026 1st round pick, HOU’s 2026 1st round pick protected for selections 1-4 and the LAC’ 2026 1st round pick and PHI will receive the least / less favorable of these; if the HOU pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then HOU will instead convey its 2026 2nd round pick to OKC [LAC-OKC, 7/10/2019; HOU-OKC, 7/16/2019; LAC-OKC-PHI, 11/1/2023]

Unlikely this happens, however I wouldn’t hate a Jimmy Butler reunion. He’s buddies with Embiid and a killer in the playoffs. He never should have left Philadelphia in the first place and his return to the city to help Joel and company get out of the second round of the playoffs would be a movie. 

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