The Jimmy Butler saga in Minnesota is finally over as the Timberwolves have reached an agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers to acquire the All-Star guard. In return, the Wolves will get Robert Covington, Dario Saric, guard Jerryd Bayless, and a 2022 second-round pick.
Minnesota has agreed to a deal to send Jimmy Butler to Philadelphia for a package that includes Robert Covington and Dario Saric, league sources tell @ZachLowe_NBA and me.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 10, 2018
Jimmy Butler and the Sixers fully expect to reach a deal on a long-term contract this summer, league sources tell ESPN. Sixers made deal with plans to add Butler to a Big Three with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 10, 2018
After winless 5-game road trip that ended with loss Sacramento on Friday night, Tom Thibodeau had come to realization that the Wolves couldn't win with Butler in this dysfunctional environment, sources said. He told associates that Minny wouldn't play another game with Butler.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 10, 2018
Minnesota accomplished one of the goals it set for itself in trade talks: Sending Jimmy Butler to the Eastern Conference, not to a Western rival. A deal with Philadelphia made more sense for the Timberwolves once Miami pulled Josh Richardson out of talks.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 10, 2018
It is an ideal situation for Butler, who was looking to join a contender, though Philly still has a bit of time to become a bonafied powerhouse in the Eastern Conference. With the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors looking strong to start out the season, this puts the Sixers back in the conversation with a three-headed monster of Jimmy, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons now in the fold.
What does this mean for Markelle Fultz, though?
Do the 76ers attempt to trade him and build around the Big 3 or do they keep him and let him develop throughout the season?
Either way, as Woj reports, Philadelphia is confident they can keep Butler past this season and sign him to a long-term contract.
Did the 76ers get the better end of the deal?