Ben Simmons has been sitting out games for the Philadelphia 76ers in recent memory, as he is currently awaiting a trade. There’s no doubt that he is a player that would be a difference-maker for a lot of teams.
It was recently reported that the Brooklyn Nets were willing to trade James Harden to get Ben Simmons. That trade would get the 76ers the top-tier star they need to truly compete for a championship.
However, it seems as though there is another option. Shams Charania of The Athletic revealed that the Minnesota Timberwolves are still in trade talks with the 76ers about Ben Simmons, but don’t want to send out the picks that the 76ers want. However, they have shown “an openness” to take on Ben Simmons in a deal that also includes Tobias Harris’ large contract.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have also remained in conversations with the 76ers, but are unwilling to meet Philadelphia’s high threshold for draft picks. Minnesota has indicated an openness to discussing a package that includes Simmons and Tobias Harris, sources said, but that offer would not come with draft capital from the Timberwolves and the 76ers do not view both players as part of a salary dump trade. The gulf in perspective is why there hasn’t been much traction so far. At 27-25, the Timberwolves are firmly in the postseason picture in the Western Conference, have had positive play from All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, rising young guard Anthony Edwards and veteran guard D’Angelo Russell. Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations Sachin Gupta has been described as dutiful and active in conversations throughout the league.
Moving Tobias Harris’ contract would give the Philadelphia 76ers more flexibility. For the Timberwolves, getting Ben Simmons would be nice for their playoff chase. However, it does make sense that the Timberwolves wouldn’t want to give up draft capital to get two max contracts on the roster and clog up their cap space.
It remains to be seen if Ben Simmons will go to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He would fit well with Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Edwards. We’ll have to wait and see how this situation develops, but it seems as though it is a possibility.
