5. No lost draft capital
Elton Brand was patient in his pursuit of Butler, holding out on early trade demands and eventually settling on a very reasonable price. The Timberwolves will receive Robert Covington, Dario Saric, Jerryd Bayless and a 2022 second-round pick.
Getting a four-time All-Star without giving up a single first-round pick is quite the accomplishment. That’s even more true when you look at the other offers reportedly on the table, with New Orleans and Houston both dangling substantial draft capital.
Covington and Saric are valuable players, but neither raises the Sixers’ ceiling like Butler. Without giving up another major asset, it’s tough to argue against the trade. Philadelphia had little reason to hesitate once the asking price came down.
Right now, it appears as though Butler will sign an extension, which eliminates even more risk. The Sixers also have more trade chips — including Miami’s unprotected 2021 first-round pick and Markelle Fultz — to use if another high-profile addition becomes available.
Simply put, the Sixers still have flexibility on the trade market. If nothing materializes, they’ll have young talent cycling through the program on a yearly basis. It’s a massive win.