The NBA world was absolutely shocked Saturday afternoon after learning Timberwolves all-star Jimmy Butler was dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers. It was only a matter of time before the disgruntled Butler would be shipped out by his former team. As we all remember, this past offseason was drama-filled with Butler’s contentious attitude towards his former young teammates. Read more about the Jimmy Butler circus here.
Butler suited up for the Wolves as recent as Friday when they took on another Western Conference team in the Sacramento Kings. Butler finished with 13 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds but struggled mightily from the field, shooting just 3-for-12. The 76ers plan to send Dario Saric, Robert Covington, Jerryd Bayless, and a 2022 second round pick for Butler and Justin Patton. Covington has been struggling from the field as of late and Saric has looked a step slower this season, so the return for Butler was rather shocking for the Timberwolves. Bayless is an aging guard who’s been relegated to DNP’s and only time will tell what will come of the future second round pick.
Butler joins a promising young Sixers team currently being led by an MVP-caliber Joel Embiid and a promising Ben Simmons. He adds much needed scoring and also helps on the defensive side of the ball. Butler, however, is not expected to suit up for the Sixers until Monday at the earliest, according to The Athletic‘s Shams Charania.
With this move, it seems as if the Sixers are now back in the hunt to compete for the East crown. Philly started rather slow out of the gate and watched the Raptors, Bucks, and Celtics play great basketball.
This new-look Sixers team It will be interesting to see what kind of an impact Butler can make on this new-look Sixers team and how he fits with Philly’s two cornerstone pieces in Embiid and Simmons. The 76ers will be able to offer Butler a five-year, max contract worth $190 million after this season concludes. Barring any personality or “fit” issues, Butler is expected to sign a long term deal, according to Wojnarowski.
