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76ers Land Jimmy Butler. Does This Make Them Eastern Conference Favorites?

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

William Davis Contributor
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Ben Simmons. Joel Embiid. Jimmy Butler.

The NBA’s newest super-team resides in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia 76ers landed star forward Jimmy Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster trade that could make Philly the beasts of the East.

On Saturday, Philadelphia completed a trade that sent Jerryd Bayless, Robert Covington, and Dario Saric to Minnesota.

It’s a solid haul for a Timberwolves team that was going to lose Butler in free agency at the end of the season anyway. This allows Minnesota to move forward while taking in some nice, young assets. However, one has to wonder if this is really a better deal than the one the Rockets apparently offered. (RELATED: NBA Star Goes Wild In Practice. The Details Are Absolutely Awesome)

However, Minnesota clearly coveted players of picks. Last season, the Timberwolves made the playoffs for the first time in 13 years, and they clearly aren’t interested in taking a step back. Good for them.

This trade doesn’t come without risk for the 76ers, either. Butler was a locker room issue in Minnesota, and one has to wonder how he will mesh with the 76ers’ young stars, and how his presence will impact the development of former number one overall pick Markelle Fultz.

There is also concern that Butler could bolt after the season, although it seems unlikely that he would.

Why would Butler want to leave? This gives Butler a chance to be in a big market and to compete for championships, two things he prioritized when he asked to be traded from the Timberwolves.

Right now, the Boston Celtics are still the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference, and take on the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty in the NBA finals. However, this move puts the 76ers right there.

Ultimately, both Minnesota and Philadelphia got what they needed from this trade. The Timberwolves got to move on from a toxic situation and re-tool with some talented young players. The 76ers got the star they needed to compete for the Eastern Conference championship.

This was a good move for both teams.