This past summer Sixers coach Brett Brown said the team was going “star-hunting.”

Generational superstar LeBron James and superstar forward Paul George were available for the right price in free agency. Top-flight superstar defender Kahwi Leonard was on the market via trade as well

Catching that star was harder than it looked, though, as the Sixers whiffed on all three.

As it turned out, Sixers fans just needed to be a bit more patient.

The Sixers finalized a deal on Nov. 12 that sent forwards Dario Saric and Robert Covington (along with Jerryd Bayless and a 2022 second-round pick) to the Minnesota Timberwolves for forward Justin Patton and four-time NBA all-star Jimmy Butler.

Butler joins the Sixers as one of the top players in the game entering the prime of his career. He immediately provides a third “superstar” to pair with rising talents Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.

Prior to the blockbuster deal with the T-Wolves, the Sixers had not done too much to improve the team that fell short in the playoffs. New GM Elton Brand lost quality role players in forward Ersan Ilyasova and guard Marco Belinelli, and added replacements Wilson Chandler and Mike Muscala.

On Nov. 12, the team finally acquired their third star.

The Sixers parted ways with two “Process” players in this deal. Both Saric and Covington have endured a lot in their tenures while they were Sixers.

Covington, 27, was discovered by former GM Sam Hinkie while playing on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Covington joined the Sixers and showcased his defense throughout his career with a jump shot that could be only described as off-and-on. He endured the “tank” years and played a major part in the Sixers gaining a playoff appearance last season. He averaged about 13 points and five rebounds per game throughout the season, highlighted by an appearance on the All-NBA Defensive First Team.

Dario Saric endeared himself to Philadelphia as fearless and a hustler. The Sixers traded for Saric in the 2014 draft, and he spent two seasons on the team, as this would be his third. Saric has struggled starting seasons in the past but has finished strong. He was another integral part of the team that qualified for the playoffs last season, as he averaged 15 points and 7 rebounds.

As for the Sixers’ return, they are getting a four-time All-Star but a polarizing one. The 29-year old Marquette graduate has reportedly had locker room issues while playing in both Chicago and Minnesota.

Yet, there is no denying the talent Butler has. The 6-8 G/F has made six playoff experience and brings experience to a team that needs it.

The Nov. 12 traded ended a prolonged drama for Butler as he openly stated that he wanted out of Minnesota. He has made awkward appearances for the Wolves this season while openly criticizing management.

While this is Butler’s contract year, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, is reporting the Sixers and Butler have full intentions of working out an extension. He has averaged about 17 points throughout his career, peaking in 2016-17, averaging 24 points for the Bulls.

The team also acquires Justin Patton, a second-year player from Creighton, who is currently dealing with a foot injury.

Clearly  this is a deal that had to be made.

Covington’s stifling defense and Saric’s glaring potential are great, but the team had to take a chance and get a player like Butler.

The point of the process was to make a team that can compete for a championship. This makes the team closer to that goal. In the past, people have made excuses, saying the Sixers are inexperienced and too young.

They have now been to the playoffs, added a veteran NBA star, and also added long-term NBA players.

The Sixers have their Big 3.Brett Brown wanted to go hunting for a star, well, he got it.