The Philadelphia 76ers are giving Jared Butler a shot at the big time, converting his two-way contract into a full NBA deal that’ll keep him around for two years.
It’s been a quick rise for the 24-year-old guard. The Sixers just picked him up last week from the Washington Wizards, along with some future draft picks, in a deal that sent Reggie Jackson the other way.
Butler’s making the most of his chance. Since joining Philly, he’s putting up solid numbers – 10 points, nearly 5 assists, and 17 minutes per game. That’s a nice jump from his time in Washington, where he was coming off the bench for about 11 minutes a night.
The timing couldn’t be better for both sides. The Sixers are dealing with a bunch of injuries, which has opened the door for Butler to show what he can do.
And boy, do they need the help. The team’s three stars – Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey – have barely been on the court together this season. That’s a whopping $164 million worth of talent spending too much time in street clothes.
But it’s not all doom and gloom in Philly. Some of their young guys are really stepping up.
Guerschon Yabusele’s been a pleasant surprise, putting up career-best numbers across the board. First-round pick Jared McCain was in the running for Rookie of the Year before a knee injury cut his season short.
The big question now is what happens with their superstar trio.
Embiid’s got that massive contract extension – we’re talking nearly $300 million through 2029. But there’s whispers this might be his last year in Philly.
Paul George hasn’t exactly lived up to his $212 million deal. He’s missed 19 games and is only averaging 16 points when he does play.
The bright spot? Tyrese Maxey. He’s been the most reliable of the three, missing just eight games all season. His $204 million extension is looking pretty smart right now.
If Embiid and George can’t stay healthy, the Sixers might miss the playoffs entirely. But at least they’re finding some solid young players like Butler for the future.
