Stuart London
I like the trade for some reasons that others might not think about.
First, the trade avoids what looked like (I am sure to Elton Brand too) what was going to be a major problem with contracts looming.Dario Saric is eligible to begin negotiations on a contract extension at the end of the year, as is Ben Simmons.
Simmons’ negotiations will be easy, here is a max contract, sign and go learn how to make a jump shot.
Saric is different. With mediocre players like Allen Crabbe and Gorgui Dieng pulling in $15-18 million a year, he will want something at least in that range and more likely in the $20 million neighborhood. That will put a hurt on the salary cap in the future. Saric is good but is he THAT good?
There is also the public relations problem of stiffing Saric, who can shoot a little, and pouring a pile of money on Simmons, who can’t. The general public loves ‘The Homie’ and do not realize the cap implications. The trade takes care of that problem. Yes, Butler will probably cost at least $35 million but when you consider you would have to pay Saric $20 million to keep him, it does not seem that bad.
Secondly, as for the overall trade, put it this way. Is Covington a starter (and by that I mean more than just a role player) on a NBA championship team? No, he isn’t. Is Saric? No he isn’t. Is Jimmy Butler? Could be, has the talent. That is all you need to know.