KEY POINTS

  • The Timberwolves will unlikely sacrifice their top stars for Ben Simmons
  • D’Angelo Russell is the best bet of the T-Wolves
  • The level of interest in Russell for the Simmons deal is questionable

The Philadelphia 76ers have yet to resolve the Ben Simmons issue although several teams have been mentioned.

The 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year allegedly prefers a move to California, but other teams remain in play.

One team that has been linked to the top pick of the 2016 NBA Draft is the Minnesota Timberwolves.

However, seeing the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns or sophomore Anthony Edwards in a deal is highly unlikely.

D’Angelo Russell may be the closest one that the T-Wolves could consider offering for Simmons. But even that holds no assurance given that the 25-year-old holds a tight relationship with Towns.

For the Sixers, it is no secret that president of basketball operations Daryl Morey wants a premium player in exchange for Simmons.

Russell could be the closest player to be offered in any trade scenario. The second overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft has hardly justified his $117 million four-year contract.

The 6-foot-4 guard is in the third year of that deal and is owed a remaining $61.3 million for the next two years.

But the bottom line here is that the T-Wolves would rather not trade Towns, Edwards and Russell. It is understandable the Sixers want someone who can help them right away.

But the problem is Minnesota may not be that team to sacrifice any of its big names.

This was suggested by John Krawczynski when he touched on the matter when he spoke on the “Athletic NBA Show” podcast.

Also, there is the question of the level of interest of Morey and the Sixers. Although they could use a point guard to help their team, Russell may not be the guy they would prefer unless he comes with other assets.

There are also suggestions that the market for Simmons is pretty dry right now. Multiple teams have been linked but the big problem is his $147 million contract.

With most NBA teams set, it will be interesting what NBA team would make a push for the Australian cager.

If not a straight-up trade, it could be a multi-team scenario that may finally resolve the Simmons issue.

Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons has recorded 15 triple-doubles in his career. In this picture, Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Nov. 21, 2018. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
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