76ers Ramping Up Pursuit of Jimmy Butler Trade

The Philadelphia 76ers are going big game hunting this offseason. Armed with a ton of cap space and some trade assets, general manager Daryl Morey is adamant in his desire to get a third star around Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.

Paul George has been the player that has been linked the most to the Sixers. The Clippers' lack of desire to pay George, combined with the Sixers' big three intentions make him a natural fit in Philly.

However, the Sixers have a plan for if that doesn't work out. One name that is consistently mentioned by the media is Jimmy Butler. The Miami Heat star is entering the final season of his contract, opening rumors of his trade. Due to his connection with the Sixers and Joel Embiid, he is understandably rumored to Philadelphia.

Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer confirmed these reports. In fact, he reported that the Sixers are willing to give Butler a max extension if they were able to trade for him.

Sixers Prepared To Give Jimmy Butler Max Contract Extension

This could just be Morey using his leverage in trade negotiations. Perhaps there is a chance Butler will force a trade out of Miami if he thinks the Sixers are more likely to give him a maximum contract.

This is a very risky proposition for the Sixers. Butler turns 35 before the start of next season. He will be 36 when his contract extension kicks in. Paying Butler more than $50 million per year as he nears 40 could be a big burden for the team going forward.

However, if that is the only way to get a superstar in the fold, perhaps it is worth it. Butler next to Maxey and Embiid would immediately turn Philly into a championship contender. If you have to pay the price at the back end of the deal, so be it. If you end up winning a title, all would be forgiven.

More Sixers news and rumors: