After leading the Philadelphia 76ers throughout their playoff run, which ended in a Game 7 heartbreak to the Toronto Raptors, Jimmy Butler enters the off-season as a free agent and is confident he will get his money, whether it be in Philly or somewhere else.
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"Technically I think, knock on wood, I will get a max contract anywhere I choose to go," Butler told reporters at the 76ers' season-ending press conference.
"So if you are talking a four-year, five-year [contract], that is more than enough money anyway. I think I still have more than enough money now from my first deal."
Butler is widely expected to decline his $19.8-million player option for next season and enter free agency, with the 29-year-old eligible for a five-year, $188-million max deal from the 76ers, with a four-year $141 million deal available if he chooses to leave the City of Brotherly Love.
The 76ers went all-in acquiring Butler in a blockbuster November trade, centred around Dario Saric and Robert Covington heading to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Butler quickly adapted to his new surroundings, embracing the leadership position on the young 76ers squad, averaging 18.2 points per game, 5.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 55 regular season games.
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"As long as you play hard, the city loves you - and give it your all, that's all they ask of you," Butler added. "It's definitely been fun to meet and interact with the fans and the people that work for this organisation. They've been absolutely incredible and amazing."
He lifted his productivity in the post-season, averaging 19.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 12 playoff games, leading the 76ers in scoring against the Raptors with 22 points per game.
It's expected to be a busy off-season for the 76ers, with eight players entering unrestricted free agency, including fellow starters Tobias Harris and JJ Redick, while Butler and James Ennis III both have player options.