NBA Free Agency: Assessing Jimmy Butler's most likely destinations

Jimmy Butler joined the Philadelphia 76ers from the Minnesota Timberwolves back in November, and the All-Star made a positive impact during his six months with the team. During the regular season, Butler averaged 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game and the 29-year-old was also Philadelphia's most impressive performer during the postseason.

Yet, Butler is expected to opt out of the final year of his existing contract this summer, and the former Chicago man has repeatedly stated his desire to sign a max deal. Due to this, Butler's future in Philadelphia is not assured, and here we will look at his most likely summer landing spots.

#3 Brooklyn Nets

Jimmy Butler was the Sixers' best performer during the playoffs

After enduring five consecutive losing seasons, the Brooklyn Nets made huge strides forward during the 18/19 campaign. The Nets opened the season with an 8-15 record, although its young roster soon put together an unlikely run to secure a first playoff appearance since 2015.

The Nets were eliminated by the Sixers in the first round, yet Brian Lewis of the NY Post believes that they are major contenders to sign Butler this summer:

The feeling around the NBA is the Nets will have a very real chance to pry four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler away from Philadelphia.

Finally having the cash and cachet to get looks from the top free agents this July, Nets general manager Sean Marks is expected to be in the hunt for both Durant and Kyrie Irving. But Butler isn’t just a fall-back plan; he’s a two-way star league sources said the Nets have a real shot at landing.

Butler appears to be a more realistic free agency target for the Nets than Kyrie Irving, and he may be motivated by the prospect of leading his own team.

#2 Remain with the Sixers

The Philadelphia 76ers are keen to secure Butler to a long-term deal

Philadelphia's season ended with a disappointing playoff exit to the Toronto Raptors, but the Sixers still provide Butler with his best chance to win. The Eastern Conference is weaker than ever, and the potential summer departures of Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard to the West would put the Sixers in a position of power.

From a personal standpoint, Butler can also receive a five-year, $190 million contract from the Sixers - which is one year longer and more than $40 million more than what rival teams can offer him.

These two factors make a Butler stay in Philadelphia seem like the obvious option, however, the 29-year-old has questioned his role on the team, and his performances in the playoffs demonstrated that he is much better than a third option. Ultimately, the Sixers can make a very good case to Butler, although it still may not be enough.

#1 Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers could look to pair Butler alongside LeBron James

Due to their ongoing problems behind the scenes, the Los Angeles Lakers are likely to miss out on this summer's top free agents. Yet, the franchise is still in a strong position to contend for the second tier FAs, and the likes of Butler and Kemba Walker are still potential game changers.

The Lakers' interest in Butler is believed to date back to last summer, and Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report envisions Butler as a good fit alongside James:

Butler seems like the type to 'take the challenge' of playing with LeBron when others seem hesitant to do so. His defensive activity could help make up for James' occasional lack thereof. Butler's propensity for getting buckets would also make him James' best scoring sidekick since Kyrie Irving ducked out of Northeast Ohio.

The All-Star pairing of James and Butler may not be enough to secure a championship, although the addition of Butler would not hinder the Lakers' attempts to secure a deal for Anthony Davis.