Jimmy Butler has had a tumultuous last few weeks. He has gone from team pariah to team hero and back again. It started with calling out his teammates at practice and ended with him chartering a private jet for another so they could attend his brother’s game at Duke. Now it appears this relationship is over for good as Butler has been dealt to Philadelphia
Who’s Going Where
The Philadelphia 76ers will receive the All-Star forward, who in all likelihood will re-sign. In exchange, the T-Wolves will get defensive 1st-teamer Robert Covington and versatile big man Dario Saric. Along with the two players, the Sixers will also be sending a second round pick to Minnesota.
Another benefit of the deal is allowing to get some dead weight off the books. Furthermore, this trade is going to affect not just the two teams involved but the NBA landscape as a whole. The balance of power is beginning to shift.
Immediate Impact On Both Sides
Minnesota should be relieved to finally be moving on from the drama that comes with Butler. They have great young talent and some pieces to build around. Furthermore, with the resurgence of Derrick Rose the Timberwolves have a proven go-to offensive threat in Butler’s absence. As for the Sixers, this move makes them an immediate contender to make the NBA Finals. They now have s legitimate big-3 to compete with Boston and Toronto.