It's been about two weeks since the Wolves' trade of Jimmy Butler to the 76ers for Robert Covington and Dario Saric became official.
The Wolves are 6-2 since the move, including 5-2 since the new players joined their lineup. The 76ers are 6-2 since the move was made, including 5-2 with Butler.
So both teams have achieved success, albeit via different means. The 76ers have been one of the league's best offensive teams since Butler's arrival, ranking No. 6 in the NBA in offensive rating in the past seven games with him playing.
But they've been No. 25 in defensive rating and have required some late-game heroics from Butler.
The Wolves, meanwhile, are allowing just 99.9 points per 100 possessions with Covington and Saric — the second-best mark in the NBA in that span.
The bottom line is results, and so far this much is clear: It might be one of those rare deals that works out great for both sides.
Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.
