As the Brooklyn Nets look to grab a surprise playoff spot, the team is now looking to the future.
Led by a young general manager in Sean Marks who has worked wonders with this roster, Brooklyn could find itself in position to add a true star in free agency.
Brooklyn is likely to have north of $54 million to spend under the cap — enabling the team to sign a max-contract player.
According to this report from Marc Stein of The NY Times, that could include Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Jimmy Butler. Stein notes that Brooklyn joins the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers as potential big-time suitors for Butler.
Acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a trade earlier this season, Butler is slated to become a free agent. Philadelphia’s general manager, Elton Brand, has noted on multiple occasions that it’s a priority for the team to re-sign Butler and fellow impending free agent Tobias Harris.
Even then, we’re fully expecting Butler to take free-agent visits. He refused to lock down on a long-term deal with Minnesota and has not opened up about a potential future in Philadelphia.
Butler, 29, is averaging 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game with Philadelphia this season. He’s certainly going to be a priority free agent when July comes calling.