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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Star point guard Ben Simmons came away from a brief conversation with Jimmy Butler on Saturday convinced that the All-Star swingman is "going to fit in" with the Philadelphia 76ers.
"He said he just wants to win," Simmons said before Saturday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. "I think that's the mindset we're excited to get Jimmy in here."
Who wins the Butler trade? Kevin Pelton grades the deal.
The Timberwolves have agreed to trade Jimmy Butler to the 76ers, league sources told ESPN. Butler and the Sixers are hopeful to reach a deal on a long-term contract this summer, sources said.
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Simmons and Butler discussed Saturday after the Minnesota Timberwolves to bring the four-time all-star to Philadelphia. The 76ers are sending forwards Robert Covington and Dario Saric, Jerryd Bayless's guard and a 2022 second-round pick to Minnesota for Butler and forward Justin Patton, ESPN's told sources Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe.
Simmons said there is "a reference to the departures of popular teammembers who have made their way to the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. But he expects Butler to elevate Philadelphia in the East pecking order.
"You're definitely all-Star to the team," said Simmons, who was already part of the league's most talented pair along with All-Star center Joel Embiid. "A guy like him who can come in, score the ball, veteran leadership, experience – he 's going to fit in here. Our culture is winning, playing together as a team and playing hard I think he' s going to bring that.
Philadelphia coach Brown Brett could not comment on Butler because the trade has yet to become official. A call to the league office to finalize it is expected Monday, sources said.
Butler – "Hopefully, it's quicker than expected" – but he downplayed concerns about meshing with another ball-dominating player.
"It's not going to affect my game," Simmons said. "I know how to play, but you want me on the floor." But at the same time, I know what I'm good at, I know what I can do on the floor. there, another one who can play the game the right way.
Simmons anticipates that the Sixers' big three would develop based on a common bond.
"Between me, Jo and Jimmy, we all have that similar mindset," Simmons said. "We hate losing, that pisses us off, we want to win."
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