Minnesota Timberwolves

One of the main teams that has been heavily involved in Ben Simmons trade rumors recently is the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell, the Timberwolves could wind up being a better team during the 2021-22 season than they have been in year’s past if they can remain healthy, but this team still needs more overall talent. 

Adding Ben Simmons would certainly be a “power move” for Minnesota to make, but it could wind up costing them quite a few key assets. Malik Beasley and Jaden McDaniels would almost certainly have to be included in a trade package for Simmons and D’Angelo Russell may have to be involved as well.

A package of Russell, Beasley and McDaniels, plus some draft picks, may not be what Philadelphia wants entirely, so a third or fourth team would likely be involved, but Minnesota remains a key trade partner for the 76ers because of their assets and the fact they are in the Western Conference. 

Philadelphia is going to look for the best offer possible, but they would probably prefer to move Simmons to the opposite conference, that way they do not have to see him or play against him often. Plus, while these may not be the exact assets they want, the Timberwolves definitely have some valuable players that could be of use to Philly or other teams league-wide. 

READ MORE: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Siakam, Dragic, Lillard

Since the start of the 2004-05 season, the Timberwolves have made the playoffs just once and have finished the regular season with a winning record just twice in this 17-year span. This Timberwolves franchise needs to make another big move if they are going to become relevant again, which is why they are so high on Ben Simmons. 

He could be the final piece they need next to Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards to finally be a somewhat decent team in the Western Conference, which is why they would likely be willing to offer up some of their key assets to acquire him.