Report: Butler, 76ers expect to reach deal on long-term contract

Jimmy Butler and the Philadelphia 76ers "fully expect" to reach an agreement on a long-term contract this coming summer, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Sixers reportedly acquired Butler on Saturday for Dario Saric, Robert Covington, and a second-round pick, ending the swingman's drawn-out trade request drama with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Butler is expected to opt out of the final year of his contract after this season to become an unrestricted free agent. By acquiring him now, the 76ers obtain Butler's Bird rights, meaning they can exceed the salary cap and ink him to a five-year max contract.

On paper, Saturday's deal creates a formidable big three with Butler joining young stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons in Philadelphia.

Previous reports suggested that Butler had a preference to land in either Los Angeles or Miami.