Towns, Wiggins praise Butler after trade to 76ers
Jimmy Butler's trade demands were met after two months of speculation and drama.
The Minnesota Timberwolves dealt the disgruntled star to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, and former teammate Karl-Anthony Towns praised Butler the day after his departure was announced.
"He's one hell of a player," Towns said, according to ESPN's Malika Andrews. "I don't know how many Jimmy Butlers there are in the world, so I think he'll be missed."
Butler was apparently unhappy with the work ethic of his teammates, reportedly calling them out during a heated practice prior to the regular season.
However, Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins echoed Towns' sentiment, telling 76ers center Joel Embiid he'll be happy to have someone of Butler's caliber on his team.
"If you're going into battle, you want him on your side," Wiggins said of Butler.
"I learned a lot of things from him. We made the playoffs, something we haven't done in a long, long time," he added. "So I think it was a positive either way you put it."
The Timberwolves also sent oft-injured center Justin Patton to the 76ers in exchange for Robert Covington, Dario Saric, Jerryd Bayless, and a second-round pick.
Butler is expected to debut for Philadelphia on Wednesday.