The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are in a precarious position. They have no hope of making the playoffs with their current roster, so they’re trying to find a way to acquire one of the league’s top players without giving up too much in return.
The ben simmons trade to timberwolves is a rumor that has been circulating the internet. D’Angelo Russell’s latest update indicates that this would be a mistake for Minnesota.
The Minnesota Timberwolves may still be interested in trading for controversial Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons, but doing so at the cost of D’Angelo Russell would be stupid.
D-Lo hasn’t had the greatest start in Minnesota, but he has All-Star potential and is a reassuring presence for Karl-Anthony Towns. Russell is also allegedly working out in the summer, suggesting that the T-wolves should not give up on him too soon.
According to reports, the Timberwolves are one of the clubs most interested in obtaining Ben Simmons.
The Sixers have failed to complete a Ben Simmons deal, owing in part to president of basketball operations Daryl Morey’s persistent high asking price. Several clubs, though, are still interested in signing Simmons. Among the interested parties are the Timberwolves.
The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski reported at the end of August that the T-wolves were the “most active club” in Simmons talks. Given how Philly’s trade talks with other clubs have failed, Minnesota’s perseverance indicates that it is serious about acquiring the star guard.
For the T-wolves, Simmons might make a lot of sense. To compliment scoring guards D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards, he’d provide Minnesota with an exceptional defender and essential playmaker. Given Russell and Edwards’ struggles on the defensive end of the court, defensive skill is essential.
Minnesota has previously said that it prefers to have Simmons as part of the existing core, but adding Russell in talks might be the best way to make a trade happen. However, D-performances Lo’s during offseason workouts indicate that utilizing him as trade bait would be a mistake for the T-wolves.
D’Angelo Russell, who might be a focal point in a Simmons deal, is causing a stir in summer workouts.
Anthony Edwards’ development, KAT’s potential, and other Timberwolves fans’ pressing questions: The mega-mailbag continues with Part II. https://t.co/TZhFxCWc4g
September 17, 2024 — Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski)
On the surface, utilizing D’Angelo Russell as the cornerstone of a Ben Simmons deal seems to be the Timberwolves’ best choice.
Russell’s current deal has two years and almost $61 million left on it. His next season’s salary of $30 million is comparable to the $33 million Simmons owes the Sixers. Russell’s inclusion would also likely reduce the amount of draft money the T-wolves would otherwise have to forego in order to get Simmons. Russell, on the other hand, is showing encouraging indications this summer.
Russell is “looking great” and “locked in” during offseason workouts, according to Jon Krawczynki of The Athletic. He seems committed to realizing his All-Star potential. Since Minnesota acquired him during the 2019-20 season, that potential hasn’t always been obvious.
Russell only appeared in 12 games with the T-wolves after being acquired by Minnesota in February 2024. He had a hit-or-miss season in 2024-21 due to injuries, averaging 19.0 points and 5.8 assists in 42 games.
Russell, on the other hand, has a lot of potential as a shot creator who can shoot off the dribble and thrive in pick-and-roll situations. His rim finishing may need some improvement, but it could come with more practice.
The former Ohio State basketball player is just 25 years old. He is one of Towns’ closest pals and may play a key role in the Timberwolves’ resurgence. Is it worth it for Minnesota to risk giving up on him when it’s conceivable he hasn’t even reached his peak?
Minnesota’s opportunity cost of acquiring Simmons
On April 26, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, D’Angelo Russell of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against the Utah Jazz during the third quarter of the game at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 105-104 against the Jazz. | Getty Images/Hannah Foslien
To make the money work, the Timberwolves don’t have to add D’Angelo Russell in a package for Ben Simmons. However, as previously said, doing so would likely lower the Sixers’ asking price for future pick compensation.
Other transferable wages are available on Minnesota’s roster. Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley, and Taurean Prince are just a few of them. However, a package focused on Beasley, for example, would almost likely require a large amount of draft capital, according to Beasley’s shady history.
Trading Russell, on the other hand, would deprive the Timberwolves of a key scoring presence and playmaker. It has the potential to further alienate Towns.
Minnesota may make a strong effort for Simmons in the future. The T-wolves should move on if the Sixers demand Russell in talks, particularly given the alleged improvements D-Lo has made this summer.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics. Spotrac provided contract details.
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The minnesota ben simmons is a recent update that has caused the Timberwolves to reconsider trading for Ben Simmons. It’s clear that the Sixers are not willing to trade Simmons, and it would be a mistake for the Wolves to use Russell as their trade bait.
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