November 12, 2018

Robert Covington, Dario Saric post farewell messages to Philly

By Michael Tanenbaum
PhillyVoice Staff

The Philadelphia 76ers' blockbuster trade to acquire All-Star forward Jimmy Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves became official on Monday.

Landing a star talent on Butler's level came at a hefty price for the Sixers, who offered a package centered around Process-era fixtures Robert Covington and Dario Saric. Their departure from Philadelphia will be bittersweet for Sixers fans who appreciated the grit and personality both players brought to the team.

MORE SIXERS: Sixers' trade for Jimmy Butler carries significant risk and upside

Covington defied all odds to emerge from the NBA's developmental league as a legitimate NBA talent over his four full seasons in Philadelphia. In an Instagram post on Monday, Covington said his farewell to the Sixers and the Philadelphia fans.

View this post on Instagram

Just want to thank the city of Philadelphia and the 76ers organization for allowing me to grow as a player here over the past 4 years. Thru the ups and downs I learned a lot here and y’all always had our back. It’s been a incredible journey and I definitely wouldn’t change it for the world. I built friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime. Now a new journey awaits and I’m thankful for this opportunity. Until next time Philly!!!

A post shared by Rob Covington (@atf_33) on Nov 12, 2018 at 3:40am PST

Saric posted his own goodbye later on Monday afternoon.

View this post on Instagram

It was real honor to be part of this team, organization and the city. I want to thank the whole organization who supported me during this journey, also big thanks to fans who pushed me to do my best. I gave hundred percent every game to make the city proud. Thank you Philly! The life goes on it’s time for new adventures

A post shared by Dario Šarić (@megalodon20) on Nov 12, 2018 at 2:26pm PST

A tweet from a Croatian sports account painted a tearful picture of the moment the news broke.

Dario Saric's father (Predrag) on Dario's trade from the Sixers to the T'Wolves: pic.twitter.com/JGKB1eQglj
— CroSports (@CroSports_) November 12, 2018

This probably hurts even more for Saric's biggest fans.

.@sixers permission to use "The Homie" ... please? pic.twitter.com/kY5iW8bCEH
— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) November 12, 2018

What ultimately matters is that the Sixers got the player they believe will help position them best to compete for an NBA championship. Butler will have an introductory press conference on Tuesday before suiting up with the Sixers for the first time Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic.

Butler's reputation in NBA circles has become a question mark after he found himself at the center of drama on both the Bulls and Timberwolves. Not that Matt Barnes is an ambassador for NBA respectability, but he took a shot at Butler on Instagram the night before the trade went through.

Time will tell whether the Sixers made the right call. You can easily picture Covington and Saric, both young players, having individual success elsewhere. A great start for Butler, who's pushing 30, would be demonstrating he can handle the competition and adversity of the NBA without antagonizing his teammates.