Yardbarker
x
Questions about Butler's 'personality' led to Sixers breakup
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Questions about Jimmy Butler's 'personality' led to Sixers breakup

Following several years of rumor and speculation, the answer to why the Philadelphia 76ers and now Miami Heat small forward Jimmy Butler broke up following the end of the 2018-19 season has materialized. 

While many, including Butler, suspected that the Sixers chose Tobias Harris over the six-time All-Star, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer set the record straight. 

"That wasn't totally accurate," Pompey wrote. "Some in the organization didn't know how to take Butler's personality." 

By all accounts, Butler's personality hasn't been much of an issue, now in his fourth season with Miami. Though, against the Sixers, he's been a thorn in their side. 

Over nine meetings with his former club, as a member of the Heat, Butler is averaging 20.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 2.1 steals, per Statmuse

Butler continued to torment the Sixers on Monday night, scoring 23 points while adding 11 rebounds, nine assists, and four steals in a 101-99 Miami win. 

Believing Butler was the final piece to a championship puzzle, the Sixers acquired Butler in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves 13 games into the 2018-19 season. After a solid showing through the remainder of the regular season with Philly, Butler was even more impressive in the postseason. 

In 12 playoff games, Butler averaged 19.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, leading most to assume he'd be back with the Sixers the following year. 

However, only two months after the Toronto Raptors ended the Sixers' season in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Philadelphia sent Butler packing to South Beach, trading him to the Heat in a four-team deal with the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trailblazers. 

It's hard to say whether or not the Sixers regret their decision to part ways with Butler so quickly. But, since departing from Philly, Butler has helped lead the Heat to the Eastern Conference Finals twice and to an NBA Finals appearance in 2019-20. 

Meanwhile, the Sixers have yet to make it beyond the second round of the postseason since 2001.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.