Jimmy Butler wants to help the Sixers compete for a title: ‘All I’ve ever wanted to do is win’
The 29-year-old was introduced to the media during a press conference on Tuesday in Camden.
Sitting on a stage in a black zip-up hoodie and sweatpants at the 76ers practice facility in Camden, Jimmy Butler was the main event of an introductory press conference Tuesday.
The past few days have moved fast for Butler since the Sixers acquired him and Justin Patton on Saturday in a trade that sent Dario Saric, Robert Covington, Jerryd Bayless, and a second-round pick to Minnesota.
That's why he was the only one on stage not wearing a suit.
General manager Elton Brand, owner Josh Harris, and Patton were all dressed for the occasion, but Butler's suit was in a bag that didn't arrive in Philadelphia before he had to take the stage.
>> VIDEO: Watch Jimmy Butler's first press conference as a 76er
It seemed fitting for a guy who drives a minivan and whose hobbies include dominoes and card games.
"I don't do much, to tell you the truth," he said.
Butler may have been dressed casually and downplayed his leisure activities, but he wasted no time getting down to business and sharing his main goal: competing for an NBA championship.
"I know that this city thrives on and loves guys that just compete and want to win," he said. "If you haven't been able to tell by now, I think I'm that guy. … All I've ever wanted to do is win at any and every level and I have an opportunity to do that here."
Butler, 29, has averaged 20 or more points every year since the 2014-15 season — the year he was named the NBA's most improved player. He is a four-time all-star and has been named to four all-defensive second teams.
Harris said employing three of the top-20 players in the league — Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and now Butler — gives the Sixers a better chance at reaching their ultimate goal.
"Over the summer, Brett [Brown] and I mentioned that we wanted to add elite talent," Harris said. "My commitment to our team is that we will bring a championship to Philadelphia."
Butler's fallout with the Timberwolves, as well as his trade request, was widely documented. The news of the trade to the Sixers was met with public concern about whether Butler would be a problem in the locker room.
On the court, Butler is not worried at all. He doesn't expect to have any problems among him, Simmons, and Embiid. Toes will not be stepped on and everyone will still have the same role, according to the Sixers' newest star.
As far as locker room drama is concerned, Butler insinuated there was little truth to the stories that came out of Minnesota as well as his previous stop in Chicago.
"The funny part about it is all you hear is 'sources say,' " Butler said. "You never hear a player say it. I think if any player had a problem with anything that they would [say it]. Unless everyone in my past locker rooms were just that fake, I don't think I was that big of a problem at all."
Butler went on to say that he spoke with his Timberwolves teammates after the trade was announced and that it was all positive vibes and well wishes. Brand echoed those sentiments and said he spoke with many of Butler's coaches, teammates, and front office executives and said he heard nothing but good things.
"In the locker room, they loved him," Brand said. "On the court, he's demanding, he wants to win, and I can deal with that. … It was an easy call for me."
Throughout his career, Butler has demanded that his teammates play hard and want to win. The "sources say" stories start to creep out when he doesn't feel his comrades are doing enough. Next to Embiid, Simmons, and JJ Redick, Butler will be hard-pressed to complain about a lack of competitive toughness or the drive to succeed.
Still, only time will tell. And the clock just started ticking.
Under contract through this season, Butler has a player option in his deal for next season. He can opt out this summer, making himself eligible for a lucrative deal potentially worth $190 million over five years.
Brand hopes Butler fits in with the team and, throughout the season, will see how good of a fit it is, but would not discuss it further than that.
The Sixers also have an open roster spot. Reports have said the team is showing interest in the Cavaliers' Kyle Korver, but Brand said he is going to take his time and properly evaluate all options.
Butler will head to Florida to join the Sixers in Orlando and is expected to make his debut Wednesday night against the Magic — the first chance to see how Brown will shift the Sixers lineup to make room for his new star, and a look at how Butler will mesh with Embiid and Simmons.
Butler will make his home debut with the Sixers on Friday when they host the Utah Jazz.