There is little question the Sixers will at least explore trading Ben Simmons this offseason. The question is what they could get in return and which teams might have interest.
We now know at least one team that could be interested in making a deal with the Sixers.
According to KSTP Sports Reporter Darren Wolfson, who is based out of Minnesota, the Timberwolves are very interested in trading for Simmons this offseason.
Here is what Wolfson had to say about the team’s interest:
“My text the other day said ‘How badly’ — because I know the Wolves are big fans of Ben Simmons — ‘How badly do the Wolves want to trade for Ben Simmons?’ This individual sent me a text back. It was one word. ‘Badly’. Make no mistake. The Wolves have trade interest in Ben Simmons.’
Wolfson also added that his source on the Timberwolves interest in Simmons come from someone who knows Simmons ‘incredibly well.’
Unless there is a third team involved a deal between the Sixers and Minnesota seems unlikely. Financially a trade that would work is a straight-up swap of Simmons for D’Angelo Russell.
Russell, who would certainly be an upgrade over Simmons on offense, averaged 19 points, 5.8 assists, 2.6 rebounds and shot 39% from three this past season (on 7.4 attempts). Russell, however, is the second year of a 4-year, $117 million contract that the Sixers might not want to commit to. Russell is also not as good of a defensive player as Simmons.
If the Sixers don’t have interest in Russell it is possible they could get a third team involved.
If not, the chances of Simmons ending up in Minnesota seem slim.