The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: Grading Elton Brand’s full first year as GM

By Lucas Johnson

Philadelphia 76ers, Elton Brand (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers, Elton Brand (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers
Jimmy Butler (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

November, 2018

Trade Dario Saric, Robert Covington, Jerryd Bayless and 2022 second round pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Jimmy Butler and Justin Patton: Grade A

In the longterm outlook this grade might be considered generous, but at the time that this went down and for the rest of the season, this was the best move made by Brand. Butler was what the Sixers needed last season. He was someone who can create their own shot and defend at a high level. While the union wasn’t long, it was worth it.

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The biggest take away from this trade was the fact that Philly didn’t have to give up a first round pick to acquire a star of Butler’s level. Giving up an elite defender like Covington wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Saric and Bayless are no longer on the T-Wolves. Saric was a part of a trade to the Phoenix Suns for the drafts rights too Jarrett Culver and Bayless became a free agent.

All three players traded to Minnesota struggled last season. Covington was injured most of last year, Saric was a bench player the majority of the time and Bayless had one of the worst seasons of his NBA career.