Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers, Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves. (Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
One team that could be in the mix to deal for Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons is the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With Ben Simmons wanting to no longer play for the Philadelphia 76ers, one team he is reportedly interested in going to is the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic said on KFAN that Simmons would be down with going to the Timberwolves. He would later re-confirm this by way of a private message on Twitter. The idea behind Simmons being willing to go to losing Minnesota is that he would get to play with his friends Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell, as well as Klutch player Anthony Edwards.
While Simmons may want to go to Minnesota, do the Timberwolves have the trade assets to entice Daryl Morey and the 76ers brass to pull the trigger?
Ben Simmons trade rumors: Open to playing for Minnesota Timberwolves
Krawczynski wrote earlier for The Athletic the Timberwolves were among the teams interested in trading for Simmons, along with the Toronto Raptors. While Simmons is friends with Russell, he is the player that would likely have to be heading Philadelphia’s way, as Towns and Edwards are viewed as untouchable. One would think future draft compensation would have to be involved.
Ultimately, the Timberwolves may not have enough assets to entice Morey to strike a deal. Keep in mind that Philadelphia was the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference last year. Minnesota has made the NBA playoffs once since trading Kevin Garnett away. Then again, the situation may become untenable in Philadelphia and the 76ers will have to sell low on Simmons at a discount.
Keep an eye on the Timberwolves potentially be the team that ends up dealing for Simmons.