Fresh Prince gets new Butler

BEN Simmons is getting another All-Star teammate to help his Philadelphia 76ers launch a serious strike on the NBA championship.

After months of bickering and a poisonous locker room at Minnesota Timberwolves, four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler, 29, has been granted his wish and is set to be traded to the Sixers.

It will put him alongside two of the game’s brightest talents, Australian point guard Simmons and All-Star centre Joel Embiid.

Las Vegas oddsmakers immediately upgraded the 76ers’ odds to win the NBA title from 20-1 to 10-1 and they tightened from 8-1 to 3-1 to claim the eastern conference.

“I think they were a contender before, so it only enhances what they’re able to do,” LA Lakers star LeBron James said.

“I mean, they’ve got Ben and Joel, and now you’re adding Jimmy. I think that’s a very, very good team.”

There was no attempt to conceal excitement in Philadelphia.

“Welcome to the best sports city in America,” quarterback Carson Wentz, of the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, tweeted to Butler.

The deal is yet to be formally announced by the NBA but both teams have agreed to it.

The 76ers will send Robert Covington and Dario Saric to Minnesota in the deal. Neither played yesterday, which allowed Australian youngster Jonah Bolden more game time.

“It’s a sad side to it, but also a business side,” Simmons said of losing teammates.

“Whatever the team decides … whatever they want to add, we are open to Jimmy. I can’t wait for him to get here. I’m excited to play with him.”

The deal also puts the 76ers in the box seat to sign Butler next year to a maximum fiveyear $263 million contract.