Sixers add huge name in Butler

Jimmy has his wish: He’s out of Minnesota. And just like that, Philadelphia has a new Big Three — one that could make noise in the Eastern Conference. A person with knowledge of the situation said yesterday Butler is being traded to the 76ers in a package that will send Dario Saric and Robert Covington to the Timberwolves. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade was pending NBA approval. Justin Patton also will be sent to Philadelphia, and Jerryd Bayless and a 2022 second-round pick also are going to Minnesota, the source said. The Athletic first reported the agreement. Philadelphia’s “Process” led it to the second round of the playoffs last season behind two of the game’s youngest, brightest stars in big man Joel Embiid and point guard Ben Simmons. Butler, an elite wing and outstanding defender, will join them in a quest to rule the East now that LeBron James has joined the Lakers. The first order of business will be making the trade official, something that could come in time to get Butler in uniform for a game at Miami tomorrow night. The next step for Philadelphia will be coming to an agreement on an extension for Butler, a pending free agent who made clear to Minnesota he would not re-sign there in 2019. Translated: The Wolves had to trade him, or they would lose him for nothing during the summer. There has been Butler drama every step of the way. ESPN reported that at his first practice with Minnesota this fall, Butler verbally challenged players, coaches and general manager Scott Layden while dominating in scrimmages, even when going up against stars like Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. Raptors 128, Knicks 112 — Pascal Siakam scored a careerhigh 23 points, Jonas Valanciunas had 19 points and 10 rebounds and host Toronto beat New York, improving its league-leading record to 12-1. OG Anunoby scored 16 points and Kawhi Leonard, Serge Ibaka and Delon Wright each had 12 for Toronto. Warriors 116, Nets 100 — Kevin Durant had 28 points and 11 assists, Quinn Cook scored a season-high 27 in place of injured Stephen Curry and Golden State used a big run in the third quarter to pull from Brooklyn in Oakland, Calif. Clippers 128, Bucks 126 — Lou Williams hit a jumper with .3 seconds remaining in overtime, lifting host Los Angeles to a win against Milwaukee. Montrezl Harrell intercepted Giannis Antetokounmpo’s inbound pass as time expired, sending the Bucks to just their third loss in 12 games. Pelicans 119, Suns 99 — Anthony Davis had 26 points and 12 rebounds as host New Orleans routed Phoenix. Davis led four Pelicans in double figures. New Orleans never trailed in winning its second straight. Wizards 116, Heat 110 — John Wall scored 28 points, Jeff Green had 19 and 10 rebounds, and Washington ran away in the fourth quarter to win in Miami. Bradley Beal and Austin Rivers each scored 18 points for the Wizards, who won for only the third time in 12 games. Bulls 99, Cavaliers 98 — Zach LaVine scored 24 points, Ryan Arcidiacono added 15 and host Chicago rebounded after blowing an early 16-point lead to edge Cleveland.