Jimmy Butler trades: Sixers, Timberwolves strike deal

<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "The Philadelphia 76s have struck a blockbuster deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves to trade for disgruntled All-Star forward Jimmy Butler, according to multiple carryforwards Saturday afternoon. "Data-reactid =" 22 "> The Philadelphia 76ers have struck a blockbuster deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves to trade for disgruntled All-Star forward Jimmy Butler, according to multiple carryforwards Saturday afternoon.

In return, Philadelphia will send forwards Robert Covington and Dario Saric to Minnesota, according to reports from The Athletic and ESPN.

The fullers, the second and second-year center Justin Patton in exchange for Saric, Covington, unwanted veteran Jerryd Bayless and a 2022 second-round pick.

<h2 class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Does the deal make sense for the Sixers?"data-reactid =" 27 ">Does the deal make sense for the Sixers?

The Sixers, ever since this summer, have been looking for a third major piece. They had, as head coach Brett Brown said, been "star-hunting." But they struck out in 2019 as well. So they have felt as if they had to make their move via trade. And they had the assets. So they pounced.

Fans will feel uneasy about sharing with Covington – one of the best wing defenders in the league, one has team-friendly contract – and Saric – has a unique, multi-talented forward. But both are limited. Butler can do most of what Covington excels at just doing, and provides a massive upgrade on the offensive end.

<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "For the deal to work out for the Sixers, though, two things will have to happen.One, they'll have to find a role that can not mitigate the losses of Saric and Covington – and specifically their shooting. The Sixers still has draft picks to float in $ 4.5 million room mid-level exception, and one free roster spot."data-reactid =" 30 "> For the deal to work out for the Sixers, though, two things will have to happen.One, they'll have to find a role in the world of Saric and Covington – and specifically their shooting, but it is not possible to do so. $ 4.5 million room mid-level exception, and one free roster spot.

Secondly, and more importantly, Butler will have to work out. He'll have to mesh with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. He'll have to accept being the second- or third-most important player on a team built around youngsters.

There's no guarantee he will, especially after clashing with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins in Minnesota. If there is friction between the two, Embiid and Simmons – three starkly different personalities – there'll be trouble.

The deal boosts Philly in the short-term, but is really a medium-term play. It's an effort to compete with Boston, Toronto, Milwaukee, and perhaps others not only this year, but the next few years, give or take a few. Butler must be an integral part of that medium-term.

Butler and Sixers reportedly planning long-term partnership

<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "On that note, the most important aspect of the trade might be like the Sixers and Butler reportedly Butler in Philadelphia beyond this year: "data-reactid =" 35 "> On that note, the most important aspect of the trade might be that the Sixers and Butler reportedly Butler in Philadelphia beyond this year:

That's the key. If Butler stays, and if he complements Philly's young stars well, it's a big win for the Sixers. But those are big "if" s.

Does the deal make sense for the Timberwolves?

The Wolves had to deal Butler. Wither every passing day, the situation has become more untenable. With every passing day, he was losing value. Had Minnesota refused to send him elsewhere, he would have left the Wolves nothing in return.

But Minnesota, with owner Glen Taylor, head coach and president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau and general manager Scott Layden all involved in discussions, appears to have played its cards right. The Wolves did not jump to questionable offers from the Miami Heat or Houston Rockets. Instead, they held out for Philly, and found a balance between the present and future to appease both Thibodeau and more forward-thinking members of the front office.

Covington is 27, and under contract (at less than $ 13 million per year) through 2021-22. Saric is 24, with two years remaining on his rookie deal. Both Towns, The Franchise Centerpiece, and Wiggins. (Bayless is a salary dump, the second-round pick is of little value.)

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