Section 215
Fansided

76ers fans should calm down over latest Jimmy Butler rumors over max contract

By Dan Parzych

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 09: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Toronto Raptors in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 112-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 09: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Toronto Raptors in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 112-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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As exciting as it is to hear the rumors surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers possibly offering Jimmy Butler a max contract, there are no guarantees in the NBA.

Before the Philadelphia 76ers and basketball fans know it, the beginning of free agency will officially be underway this summer, meaning all eyes will be on whether Jimmy Butler ends up returning to the team.

Around this time last summer, a potential trade to land Jimmy Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves seemed like a long shot for the Sixers, who were looking to land a third superstar to play alongside Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.

Even though it took Philadelphia until the actual regular season, they say better late than never, right?

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Despite how heartbreaking the Game 7 loss in the semifinals against the Toronto Raptors, one can only imagine how different the playoff run would have been for the Sixers this season if it weren’t for Butler.

To say Butler elevated his game to a new level when Philadelphia needed him the most with some amazing performances during the playoffs would be a huge understatement, and the Sixers may not have a choice other than to offer the star forward a max contract this offseason.

Otherwise, it could be back to the drawing board for Philadelphia when it comes to trying to figure out that third superstar to play alongside the team’s dynamic duo in Embiid and Simmons.

With that being said, one of they key rumors surrounding Butler and the Sixers that emerged over the weekend is how Philadelphia has plans to offer the forward a max contract this summer, which could be worth five-year, $190 million.

How should Sixers fans take these rumors? Well, unfortunately that’s the difficult part about the situation since these are nothing but rumors at the moment, and just opinions of NBA executives across the league.

Just because NBA executives expect Philadelphia to offer Butler the max doesn’t necessarily guarantee it’s going to happen, and fans should wait until they hear from the actual organization before getting too excited over the possibility.

Whether Sixers fans want to hear it or not, chances are this won’t be the last of the Butler rumors this offseason since it wasn’t too long ago in which rumors were swirling that LeBron James was trying to recruit him to the Lakers.

So as tough as it may seem for Philadelphia fans to contain their excitement over this latest Butler news since it would help the Sixers remain a top contender in the Eastern Conference, plenty could still happen before the official start of free agency.

In other words, until Butler or the Sixers make the announcement, fans should do their best not to get too excited over these rumors that will most likely continue over the next month or so.