NBA Power Rankings: Philadelphia 76ers are contenders with Jimmy Butler

In this week’s NBA Power Rankings, the Philadelphia 76ers become true contenders in the Eastern Conference with the acquisition of Jimmy Butler

If there were any questions before regarding the Philadelphia 76ers, those are now safely put to bed. With the acquisition of Jimmy Butler, the Sixers are now real contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Nearly two months after his trade demand, the Minnesota Timberwolves completed a trade that sent Butler to the Sixers in exchange for Robert Covington, Jerryd Bayless, Dario Saric and a future second-round pick. The Jimmy B saga is officially over.

And the Sixers were the ultimate winners here.

After striking out in free agency last summer, the Sixers landed their veteran start that they were hoping to stick next to Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Even though it came at the cost of two solid contributors, the potential ceiling that the Sixers have now is so much higher than it would’ve been had they decided against making this move.

As it currently stands, I would still put the Toronto Raptors – and the Boston Celtics, if they can figure themselves out – ahead of the Sixers, but there’s no question that the East got much more competitive.

With that said, here are this week’s NBA Power Rankings.