Two trades in two seasons later, Butler finally played a star’s role for a contender as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. They came up just short, but Butler did all he could. That may have prompted his swift exit.
A four-headed beast of Butler, Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Tobias Harris played just a half season together. They were then knocked out in the conference semifinals by a Game 7 Kawhi Leonard buzzer-beater. Playing for a winning team had been a priority for Butler, and this was his best chance to see one through. Clearly he didn’t see Philly as a long-term option.
Putting that team together was a rushed attempt by the 76ers to compete for a title, and it came with massive risks. Butler’s expiring contract was one of them. Fortunately for Philly, it was able to gain Richardson in his departure.