The Jimmy Butler drama has officially come to an end in Minnesota, and it now sets up a very interesting Eastern Conference this season. It was announced on Saturday afternoon that the Minnesota Timberwolves are sending the All-Star to the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade that will include Dario Saric and Robert Covington. The Sixers are also sending Jerryd Bayless and a 2022 second-round draft pick to Minnesota, all to team Butler up with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. The best part about it for Philly is the reports that the team and Butler have every intention in negotiating a long-term agreement this summer, when he can become a free agent.
The four-time All-Star will not be allowed to negotiate anything until he opts out after the season, which he is expected to do. The team plans to watch Butler's physical condition and how he plays with Embiid and Simmons before offering him anything, which could be up to a five-year max contract worth $190 million, while other teams could only offer him up to a four-year contract worth a projected $141 million.
The trade is not yet official and will not be until a call on Monday, which will lead to physicals to confirm the rest. After that, Butler is likely to make his Sixers' debut on Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic. The owners are the ones that put this deal together, as Glen Taylor and Josh Harris got together and worked with the front offices to finalize everything.
For the Timberwolves, they are likely to waive Bayless, who has not played much this season, but no decision has been made on that just yet. The T'Wolves are just 4-9 so far this season following a loss against the Sacramento Kings, despite a big game from Karl-Anthony Towns.
Butler has averaged 21.3 points in 10 games this season, as he sat out three contests for rest, and averaged 22 points in the past two seasons with Minnesota. His addition to the Sixers raises their championship odds from 7-1 to 3-1, according to the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook. The Timberwolves and 76ers will play twice this season, on January 15th and March 30th.
The four-time All-Star will not be allowed to negotiate anything until he opts out after the season, which he is expected to do. The team plans to watch Butler's physical condition and how he plays with Embiid and Simmons before offering him anything, which could be up to a five-year max contract worth $190 million, while other teams could only offer him up to a four-year contract worth a projected $141 million.
The trade is not yet official and will not be until a call on Monday, which will lead to physicals to confirm the rest. After that, Butler is likely to make his Sixers' debut on Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic. The owners are the ones that put this deal together, as Glen Taylor and Josh Harris got together and worked with the front offices to finalize everything.
For the Timberwolves, they are likely to waive Bayless, who has not played much this season, but no decision has been made on that just yet. The T'Wolves are just 4-9 so far this season following a loss against the Sacramento Kings, despite a big game from Karl-Anthony Towns.
Butler has averaged 21.3 points in 10 games this season, as he sat out three contests for rest, and averaged 22 points in the past two seasons with Minnesota. His addition to the Sixers raises their championship odds from 7-1 to 3-1, according to the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook. The Timberwolves and 76ers will play twice this season, on January 15th and March 30th.
