Philadelphia 76ers star forward Jimmy Butler isn't selling himself short when it comes to his value as an unrestricted free agent this summer.
"Technically I think, knock on wood, I will get a max contract anywhere I choose to go," Butler told reporters at the team's season-ending press conference Monday, including Marc Narducci of the Philly Inquirer. "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 has a $19.8-million player option for next season but is widely expected to decline it to enter free agency. The 29-year-old is eligible to receive a five-year, $188-million max contract from the Sixers, whereas other clubs can offer four years and $141 million at most.
Philadelphia paid a high price to acquire Butler's services, dealing key starters Robert Covington and Dario Saric to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster five-player deal less than a month into the season. The transition could've been difficult and Butler appreciated 76ers fans welcoming him "with open arms."
"As long as you play hard, the city loves you - and give it your all, that's all they ask of you," Butler said. "It's definitely been fun to meet and interact with the fans and the people that work for this organization. They've been absolutely incredible and amazing."
With the four-time All-Star in the fold, the Sixers posted a 51-31 record to finish third in the Eastern Conference. However, the team was bounced in the second round of the playoffs for the second straight season after a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Toronto Raptors at the buzzer.
Butler's production dropped slightly after joining Philadelphia, but he rose to the occasion during the postseason, averaging 19.4 points, six boards, and 5.2 assists with a team-high 1.5 steals per game across 12 appearances. He was the Sixers' leading scorer against the Raptors, averaging 22 points per contest.
