Timberwolves, 76ers make Butler blockbuster official

The blockbuster trade sending four-time All-Star wing Jimmy Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Philadelphia 76ers is now official, the teams announced Monday.

The Sixers received Butler and center Justin Patton - a 2017 first-round pick - from Minnesota.

“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,” read a statement from Sixers general manager Elton Brand. “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, who is one of the NBA’s very best on both ends of the floor. This move further strengthens our pursuit of a championship and gives us a formidable combination to take on the league’s top teams."

Philadelphia sent wing Robert Covington, forward Dario Saric, guard Jerryd Bayless, and a 2022 second-round pick to the Timberwolves.

"I also want to wish Robert, Dario and Jerryd continued success in their NBA careers," added Sixers managing partner Josh Harris. "They were true professionals and great teammates during their time here.”