Butler trade to 76ers completed

MIAMI — Jimmy Butler is in Philadelphia, and upon his arrival he immediately began talking about winning a championship.

"The Process" has a whole new meaning.

Butler, a four-time All-Star forward, is now officially a member of the 76ers, after they and the Minnesota Timberwolves received approval from the league office Monday on the terms of the trade that was agreed to over the weekend.

"He replicates, he mirrors, the spirit of Philadelphia," 76ers coach Brett Brown said. "He is a fierce competitor. And there is a toughness that he plays with. That's who he is. And he wears it on his face, it's seen in his game, it's confirmed by multiple all-defensive teams and it's a perfect fit for the city and our program defensively."

The deal gives Philadelphia a legitimate "Big Three," with Butler joining All-Star forward Joel Embiid and reigning rookie of the year Ben Simmons on a team that already was expected to be a major Eastern Conference contender this season. Butler flew into Philadelphia on Monday and told NBC Sports Philadelphia that fans should expect "a guy who wants to win."

"We want a championship," Butler said as he signed a couple of autographs before he was driven away from the airport. "And I think the core group of guys that we have will figure out a way to get it done."

Butler and Justin Patton were traded to Philadelphia for Robert Covington, Dario Saric and Jerryd Bayless, along with a 2022 secondround draft pick.

Butler will be introduced by the 76ers on Tuesday and is expected to debut with his new club Wednesday at Orlando. Philadelphia was playing at Miami on Monday.

"We have a championship window that's centered around the continued progression of our talented young core, as well as our ability to add elite players who elevate our program," 76ers general manager Elton Brand said. "In Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, we have two of the NBA's top 20 players. Now, we've added a third top-20 player in Jimmy Butler."