According to a report from SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ top trade target for this offseason is Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons.
How badly do the #Timberwolves want to trade for Ben Simmons?
"Badly" pic.twitter.com/owYhhydPMQ
— SKOR North – Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) June 27, 2021
“I texted with someone that knows Ben Simmons incredibly well, that has working knowledge of all things NBA,” Wolfson said on “The Scoop” podcast. “My text was, ‘How badly do the Wolves want to trade for Ben Simmons?’ This individual sent me a text, it was one word: ‘Badly.’”
Simmons could bring plenty of value to the Timberwolves as a versatile defender and playmaker. The 24-year-old averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game for the Sixers last season and was also an All-NBA First Team selection during the 2019-20 season and a two-time member of the All-NBA Defensive Team.
But Simmons is on the block because of his meltdown in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks. While his .557 shooting percentage was his lowest since his rookie season, some including ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins see more value if he shifts to the frontcourt alongside Karl-Anthony Towns.
While acquiring Simmons looks great on paper, the Timberwolves will have to navigate several obstacles to make it happen. The Timberwolves do not have a pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and with limited salary cap space, a trade would have to match salaries.
That could mean the Timberwolves giving up D’Angelo Russell, Ricky Rubio or Malik Beasley in a trade, and even then, they might have to give up some of their young players such as Jaden McDaniels to make it appealing for the Sixers.
