Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 dream trades for star players
Ben Simmons
Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 dream trades for star players
*76ers also acquire 2023 first-round pick and 2025 first-round pick*
Why the Wolves Accept This Trade
Simply put, Ben Simmons is one of the best young playmakers in the NBA today. The skillset he displays both offensively and defensively are rare, and especially standing 6-foot-10.
Simmons has career averages of 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.8 blocks while shooting 56 percent from the floor. Having the opportunity to play next to Towns and Russell would seemingly open up Simmons’ game even more as he would have more space to operate.
Like with Paul, having Simmons on the Wolves roster would allow Russell to play shooting guard. Simmons provides playmaking every team looks for while Russell would be able to continue to excel as a pick-and-roll ball-handler and continue to refine his catch-and-shoot game.
On the defensive side, Simmons is a nightmare for offenses as he skies over opposing point guards. He would provide a point-of-attack defender the Wolves currently do not have. Simmons is also able to confidently guard all five positions on the floor.
The biggest issue with Simmons is his shooting. In today’s game not being able to spread the floor can cause issues, but Simmons recently addressed the issue.
"“I know it’s going to come. It’s a matter of me being comfortable doing it. Some of that is getting the reps in. I can take a hook shot from the elbow, because I’ve done it so many times, I’m confident it will go in. It’s second nature… With 3s, it’s never been like that. I’ve got to make it a point of emphasis. I could be one of those guys shooting 30% right now. But I’d rather be one of those guys shooting 40%.”"
It’s not often that a player of Simmons caliber is made available. The Timberwolves have the opportunity to put together a package where they can attain Simmons, which gives the Wolves arguably the best young core in the NBA inTowns, Russell, and Simmons.
Why the Sixers Accept This Trade
Coming into the 2019-20 season, the Philadelphia 76ers were viewed as a championship contender. However, they have disappointed to this point and are currently sitting as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference.
It has come apparent that the cornerstones of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are simply not a good fit next to each other. Therefore, the Sixers are going to have to choose who to build around.
While Embiid has always been surrounded by health concerns, the Sixers will be more willing to build around him as he is a top-three player at his position and it is more likely Philadelphia can attain more assets by dealing Simmons.
Trading Simmons leaves a hole at the point guard position for the Sixers. This is where Jarrett Culver can make a difference, as he has refined his skills at the position through his first season. Culver has had some low points learning the point guard position in the NBA, but he has improved as the season has progressed proving he is capable of leading a team like Philly who has championship aspirations in the near future.
Beasley is another young player who has the ability to start right away for the 76ers or come off the bench, providing quality depth. Beasley is a perfect fit next to Embiid as he does not need the ball in his hands to make a difference on the court and is a top-level shooter.
Altogether, the Sixers receive a package that sets them up for both the present and the future in two potential starters in Culver and Beasley and three overall first-round picks.