Minnesota Timberwolves trade Jimmy Butler to Philadelphia 76ers

After weeks of NBA trade rumors surrounding Minnesota Timberwolves star Jimmy Butler, it appears he’s finally on the move. Reports surfaced on Saturday afternoon that Butler is officially headed to the Philadelphia 76ers via a trade.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe reported on the developing story with Butler expected to sign a long-term deal with Philly. As far as the trade details go, the Timberwolves are sending Butler and forward Justin Patton to the Sixers. In exchange, Philadelphia is shipping guard Jerryd Bayless, along with forwards Robert Covington, and Dario Saric to Minnesota, along with a 2020 second-round pick.

Philadelphia has the benefit of being able to offer Butler an enticing long-term deal. Reportedly, they can give the NBA All-Star $190 million on a five-year max contract. The other teams vying for Butler were said to only have a “projected $141 million” over four years.

On Friday night, Butler was in the starting lineup for his former team. Butler played for a team-high 41 minutes in a 121-110 loss at Sacramento. He shot just 3-of-12 from the field and finished with 13 points, eight boards, and eight assists.

The Timberwolves are receiving several roster additions that could give them a better chance at winning. In particular, Covington has been a highly-praised player while Saric finished amongst the top three for NBA Rookie of the Year two seasons ago. He ultimately lost to the Milwaukee Bucks’ Malcolm Brogdon.

At the very least, moving Jimmy Butler out of Minnesota should ease tensions amongst the players. A feud was reportedly at the center of this all, with Butler not getting along with Karl-Anthony Towns in particular. Andrew Wiggins was also mentioned as part of the drama in Minnesota.

According to Bleacher Report, Butler reportedly entered one Timberwolves practice session for the latest season and called out teammates Wiggins and Towns. He also swore at the team’s general manager, saying “F—, you f——g need me!” During a sit-down interview with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, Butler said “it’s not” when asked if the situation was fixed between himself, Towns, Wiggins, and the team’s GM. Now it appears to be solved.