3. Philadelphia 76ers
Sticking around in the same locker room could definitely benefit Jimmy Butler, especially since he would get to stay with a contender in the Eastern Conference with the Sixers. He was just present in Minnesota and Philadelphia for such a short period of time if he goes to yet another team.
There’s not many teams in the East that are holding steady this summer. But the Sixers should be returning a number of talented core players, especially if Butler comes back, including star big man Joel Embiid and point forward Ben Simmons. The Sixers could be a favorite to come out of the East next season with a Butler signing.
Moreover, having stability under his belt given his journeyman nature in the last two years could be a good thing for Butler. It looked as if the Timberwolves just weren’t a good fit for Butler. GarPax also jumped ship on the idea of building around him and eventually giving him a super max deal when they traded him to Minnesota.
Philadelphia wants to bring Butler back, and this is one of the best destinations for him in the East. He wouldn’t have to worry about extenuating circumstances of where other stars land in free agency this summer and he could get another year of development with a group of young talent around him.