BUTLER TRADED TO SIXERS
Jimmy Butler finally got his wish. The disgruntled shooting guard/ small forward, who demanded a trade from the Timberwolves in September, is heading back East. Minnesota reached a deal to send Butler and center Justin Patton to the 76ers for a package of Robert Covington, Dario Saric, Jerryd Bayless and a second-round pick, according to reports.
In addition to the deal, Philadelphia and Butler reportedly expect to reach a deal on a long-term contract this summer. Doing so would end any hope of the four-time AllStar landing with the Nets or Knicks in free agency. He had reportedly listed the New York teams, along with the Clippers, among his preferred destinations after requesting a trade.
Butler, who after six seasons with the Bulls was traded to the Timberwolves in June 2017, is averaging 21.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists this season for Minnesota (4-9), despite not being happy with his situation.
He sat out the Timberwolves’ game against the Jazz on Wednesday, with the team calling it general soreness.
The 29-year-old joins a 76ers team led by Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons considered among the favorites in the East. Philadelphia (8-5) is in third place in the conference after falling to the Celtics in the second round of the playoffs last season.
The deal comes after Butler turned down a four-year, $110 million extension from the Timberwolves during the offseason and was not moved despite the Rockets reportedly offering four first-round picks to acquire him. The Heat also were reported to have had interest in landing Butler.