Robert Covington’s Parting Message to Philadelphia

Today, the Sixers and the Minnesota Timberwolves will (or already have) call into the NBA league office and finalize a trade that will bring Jimmy Butler and Justin Patton to Philly while sending fan favorites Dario Saric and Robert Covington to Minny (along with Jerryd Bayless and a 2022 second-round pick).

Many fans have bonded with Covington over the last few seasons, as RoCo progressed through multiple stages as a player until he because the All-Defensive player we know today. While he’ll be wearing a new uniform on Wednesday, the journey in Philly has not been lost on Covington. From an a post on Covington’s Instagram this morning:

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!!!

It has been two days since news of the trade broke, and the idea of no longer seeing Covington nail a clutch three in the eye of doubters and then run back down the floor signaling “three-pointer” with his hands as he pounds his chest has not gotten any easier to process.

With the Timberwolves being a Western Conference team, the Sixers will play them just twice this season. The first game between the two teams will be January 15th, and it will be in Philadelphia. I imagine a packed house, with an electric crowd and some emotional tension as Saric and Covington take the court in the Wells Fargo Center for what will be the first time since being traded.