7 winners, 6 losers, and one big TBD from the Jimmy Butler trade
After a long, public bout between a disgruntled Jimmy Butler and virtually everyone else on the Timberwolves — from young stars Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, to coach and president Tom Thibodeau and general manager Scott Layden — Minnesota has finally agreed to trade the All-Star to the Philadelphia 76ers. In exchange, the Wolves will receive 3-and-D wing Robert Covington, versatile stretch four Dario Saric, and backup Jerryd Bayless. They will also surrender injured big man Justin Patton and receive a 2022 second-round pick as part of the trade. At first glance, the trade seems like an underwhelming return for Minnesota: an All-Star for two starters, no first-round picks, and they gave up an injured young player who may potentially become serviceable down the road. But there are clear winners and losers from this deal beyond the teams involved. Let’s explore all of them. Winner: Philly The 76ers returned virtually the same team from last season, and it was beginn...