NBA news: Jimmy Butler reveals all on Minnesota trade ahead of 76ers debut
JIMMY BUTLER will reportedly start his first game for the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.
Jimmy Butler to make 76ers one of the best in the east says Rose
The ‘Sixers will have the chance to show off their new ‘big three’ as they take on the Orlando Magic tonight.
On Monday, Butler completed his much-anticipated trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the 76ers.
The move ended two months of speculation about the future of the four-time NBA All-Star.
Butler had been expected to leave the Timberwolves, after handing in an official trade request in September.
The trade was done over the weekend and officially announced on Monday, but there was not enough time for him to make his debut as the 76ers beat the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.
Butler practiced with the team today, and will reportedly start tonight alongside fellow stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
After his first practice, Butler declared he was looking forward to getting going and putting his controversial time at Minnesota behind him.
“Shootaround was great,” he said.
“Getting around the guys and knowing them a bit.
“I was hella confused with some of the plays.
“But basketball is basketball.
“There’s a lot of really good guys here.
“Some very talented basketball players.”
During his time at Minnesota, Butler was reportedly involved in numerous off-court incidents with team-mates.
However, he has insisted that throughout his transition from the Timberwolves to the 76ers, he was only ever interested in matters on-court.
“I was always just focused on hoops,” he insisted.
“It’s always fun when I get to compete.
“Not many things go through my mind when I’m locked in.
“All I want to do is win.
“I’ve got a job to do, and right now that’s to help the 76ers win.”