Run It Back: Jimmy Butler linked to 76ers in swap for Paul George and Ben Simmons won’t shut up about Philly – Complete The Process

JIMMY BUTLER – Let’s be honest: Paul George hasn’t exactly gotten a fair shake from Sixers fans. Since landing in Philly last summer, George has been stuck in the same injury purgatory as the rest of this roster.

Is it frustrating? Absolutely. But blaming him for the Sixers’ dumpster fire of a season? That feels a bit harsh. Still, the rumors of a potential Jimmy Butler-Paul George swap are hard to ignore, especially when Joel Embiid is reportedly pushing for it.

76ers listed as a potential suitor for Jimmy Butler

“I've heard that Philly quietly could be a suitor for Jimmy Butler…theoretically, it would be a Jimmy for Paul George swap. I believe that Embiid is pushing for them to reacquire Jimmy.” #MadeForThis pic.twitter.com/wXTYFi2ktE

— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) January 28, 2025

In Defense of Paul George

Let’s not pretend George has been a total flop. When he’s on the floor, he’s still one of the most talented two-way players in the league. Yes, the Sixers are 17-27, and yes, George has dealt with injuries, but so has just about everyone else on this team. Blaming him for Philly’s struggles feels lazy when the bigger issue has been a revolving door of absences and a lack of chemistry across the board.

George didn’t sign up for this chaos, and it’s not like he’s out there pulling a James Harden. He’s been a professional. He’s shown up when he’s been healthy. But Philly fans are impatient, and when you’re not winning, it’s easy to point fingers at the guy making over $50 million a year.

Why Jimmy Butler Could Make Sense

That said, there’s one thing Paul George isn’t: Jimmy Butler.

We all remember the 2018-19 season when Butler had this city on his back. He was the closer, the emotional leader, the guy who wasn’t afraid to tell his teammates—and Brett Brown—what they needed to hear.

And let’s not forget: Joel Embiid loves Jimmy Butler.

If Joel is lobbying for the Sixers to bring Jimmy back, then the front office needs to listen.

Whatever makes Embiid happy, the Sixers should do. He’s the face of the franchise, an NBA MVP (when he’s actually on the court), and the guy you need to keep in Philly for the rest of his career. If trading George for Jimmy means Joel feels more invested, then sign me up.

Run It Back? Sure, Why Not

A Jimmy Butler-Paul George swap wouldn’t solve all the Sixers’ problems, but it might inject some life into a team that desperately needs a spark. Jimmy brings the kind of edge and leadership that’s been missing, and let’s face it, Philly fans would welcome him back with open arms.

At the end of the day, this franchise revolves around Joel Embiid. If he wants to run it back with Jimmy, then Daryl Morey better start making calls.

Don’t Forget about Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons won’t shut up about how much he loves the city of Philadelphia, the fans, and really Joel Embiid. Might as well bring him back too and we can finally return to basketball greatness. The 2018-19 Philadelphia 76ers were the best we’ve seen in DECADES and having Embiid, Jimmy, and Benjamin back on the same court together is the way to restore order to the realm.

Ben Simmons loves Philly and 76ers fans so again, I’m calling for unity to finally ‘Complete The Process’

Do it for Joel. Do it for the city. Do it for (what’s left) of the vibes.

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