NBA

Wizards-Sixers Trade Grades: Philadelphia Adds Jared Butler

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Jackson Frank
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Jackson Frank Sports Editor

Jackson Frank is a freelance NBA writer and editor who's been covering the league since 2017. He's previously written for places such as The Athletic and SB Nation. He loves ing big men and defensive-minded wings, and is always on the hunt for the perfect taco.

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Published06 Feb 2025

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The Philadelphia 76ers are acquiring Jared Butler and four second-round picks from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Reggie Jackson and a 2026 first-round pick, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice has the details as to which second-rounders Washington is sending out in this move.

Butler is averaging 6.9 points, 2.6 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 32 appearances this season. The veteran Jackson is averaging 4.4 points, 1.5 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 31 games.

Sixers And Wizards Stacking Assets In Different Ways

Butler should help invigorate a depleted Philadelphia guard room, which was shallow to begin the year and took a notable hit when Jared McCain suffered a season-ending torn meniscus. The 24-year-old Butler was largely buried in Washington but touts legitimate dribble--shoot ability with a dexterous handle and shifty space creation off the bounce as a pull-up shooter.

Prior to this deal, the Sixers’ ball-handling brigade behind Tyrese Maxey included Jackson, Kyle Lowry and Jeff Dowtin Jr., none of whom have proven to be reliable options. Butler should be an upgrade on that front, and adding four second-round picks may help Philadelphia be more active in other trade conversations, whether it’s this season or down the road.

Despite Butler’s talent, Washington didn’t have a pathway to grant him consistent minutes, with Jordan Poole, Bub Carrington and Malcolm Brogdon dominating most of the ball-handling reps. This team is clearly in rebuilding mode, so adding a first-rounder — even if it projects to sit in the late 20s (or 30th) — for a non-rotation player and the willingness to take on Jackson’s salary for the remainder of the year is welcomed business.

Grading The Deal

Philadelphia 76ers: B+

The Sixers addressed a clear area of need by upgrading at backup guard, both in talent and youth. Dealing away a first-round pick for a largely unproven player is risky, but adding four second-rounders with favorable protections helps offset some of the damage there. Philadelphia owns its 2026 first-round pick, so any trade market flexibility or capacity to select somebody in that draft is not hampered by this decision. Butler has often impressed when afforded run and could truly establish himself as a viable bench guard to close this season.

Washington Wizards: B+

I don’t love the Wizards attaching four second-round picks to land a late first, but it’s really hard to knock the move overall. Butler wasn’t in their rotation and was stuck behind two superior guards in Poole (25 years old) and Carrington (19), who presumably factor more prominently into Washington’s long-term plans. Acquiring a first-round pick without sending any of its own or any integral players is efficient maneuvering.