Simmons, Embiid welcome Butler NBA trade

Ben Simmons has welcomed the trade for NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler, confident he will fit in with the Philadelphia 76ers where he didn't with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Butler didn't get along with his young star teammates Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns in Minnesota.

But the young stars in Philadelphia, Simmons and Joel Embiid, say they are happy to have him join them.

"A guy like him coming in that can score the ball, veteran leadership, experience, I think he's going to fit right in," Simmons told NBC Sports Philadelphia.

The 29-year-old Butler, an elite scorer and defender, can play at small forward or shooting guard, so he seems a good fit with point guard Simmons and centre Embiid.

Certainly Embiid had no doubt he'll improve the ambitious Sixers, who are currently fifth in the eastern conference with an 8-6 record.

"I think he's going to help us a lot offensively and especially defensively," Embiid said.

"He's one of the best defensive players in the league. I'm excited to see where he takes us, and how much better we are going to look.

"With the type of system we play, we like to move the ball.

"The ball goes through everybody's hands, so I don't think bringing someone else will take the ball out of my hands or Ben's hands.

"We are going to figure it out. I'm sure he's coming in here willing to fit in."

Butler has averaged 21.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals through 10 games this season.

Butler requested a trade during the pre-season.

The 76ers expect to agree to a long-term contract extension after the season, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Saturday.