Philadelphia 76ers roundtable: Thoughts on the Jimmy Butler trade

Paulie Wenger

Sunday’s revelation of the Jimmy Butler trade was not only unexpected, but a sentimental gut punch to many fans, myself included.

The contribution and development of Dario Saric and Robert Covington has been one of the highlights of 76ers basketball over the last few seasons. Whether it was Covington’s game winning alley-oop against the team he is about to join or Dario dropping Jonas Jerebko to the floor, these two gemstones of The Process will always be remembered by the fans for great moments on the court.

That being said, the addition of Jimmy Butler is so exciting for Sixers fans. If I had been told four years ago that this team would acquire a player of Jimmy Butler’s talent, I would have lost my mind. Yet again, the fans are benefiting from the genius of Sam Hinkie.

I understand the worry of many fans about fitting three ball-dominant superstars on the floor at the same time, however, Jimmy Butler is the rare type of player that can shoot the three and play off the ball when needed. The most important skill that Jimmy brings is his ability to create his own shot, which the Sixers will cherish immensely.

He will make an immediate impact for a legitimate threat to the Eastern Conference crown.