Many analysts have stated that Ben Simmons needs to be traded by the Philadelphia 76ers so that both the team and the player get a new start. Perhaps playing for another franchise would allow Ben Simmons to fulfill his potential while netting the 76ers a player that can help them win with Joel Embiid.
A recent report by Dane Moore has suggested that the Minnesota Timberwolves are a team that would be interested in Ben Simmons. Moore reported that two key figures in both organizations in Gersson Rosas and Elton Brand met for discussions about a Simmons trade, though it isn’t necessarily a done deal yet.
Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas and 76ers General Manager Elton Brand met in Chicago during the NBA combine, sources say, where a Ben Simmons trade to Minnesota was discussed.
The negotiations are not substantive at this time, sources say.
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) July 9, 2021
It would definitely be interesting for Ben Simmons to end up in Minnesota, as he is good friends with center Karl-Anthony Towns, and they sorely need a player who is a defensive anchor. Towns’ shooting prowess could also negate some of Simmons’ weaknesses, and allow Simmons to have good spacing while driving to the rim. There would also be less pressure on Simmons when playing for the Timberwolves. In terms of talent, it is likely that the 76ers would either ask for Malik Beasley or D’Angelo Russell. It seems as though a deal could be in the works, and this is certainly a situation we should keep an eye on.
