By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Staff 
The Philadelphia 76ers may have struck out on their star-hunting this past offseason, but it didn't take them long to trade for a star during the 2018-19 season. Just 13 games into the new year, the Sixers have reportedly agreed to a blockbuster deal to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Timberwolves. Philadelphia is sending a couple of players that the city has become emotionally attached to over the years in Robert Covington and Dario Saric. They will also be sending Jerryd Bayless and a 2022 second-round pick. Minnesota, in addition to Butler, sends Justin Patton to the Sixers.
Sources: Philadelphia's Jerryd Bayless has also been traded to Minnesota as part of Jimmy Butler deal. Covington/Saric/Bayless/2022 2nd for Butler and Patton. https://t.co/qSvFzjG5BU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 10, 2018
Butler, 29, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, but according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the two sides are optimistic about a long-term agreement barring injury or failure to fit with franchise cornerstones, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
Sixers and Butler aren't allowed to enter into a negotiation or a agree on an extension yet, but barring physical issues or Butler failing to fit into the Embiid-Simmons dynamic both sides are optimistic on a long-term future. Sixers would be paying a steep price for a rental. https://t.co/eJv11Ynfsc
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 10, 2018
As for how this affects the Sixers cap space moving forward, Bobby Marks of ESPN reports that including the $30.7 million free agent hold on Butler, the Sixers will have approximately $21 million in cap room. The room includes renouncing all free agents except for Butler and TJ McConnell. The 76ers would be close to adding another max slot if they find a home for former first overall pick Markelle Fultz.
Through 10 games this season, Butler is averaging 21.3 points on 47.1 percent shooting, including a 37.8 percent mark from beyond the arc.
The trade call between Minnesota and Philadelphia is set to take place on Monday, so Butler could make his Sixers debut when they visit the Heat on Monday night.
More coming…
