The Minnesota Timberwolves are at a crossroads in their franchise. They could choose to further their investment in youth this offseason, or go all-in on getting another star to put around Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards.
Ben Simmons could be one of general manager Gersson Rosas’s top targets if the team wants to move with the latter option. He’s a young perennial defensive player of the year candidate with several years left on his contract.
Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 trades to acquire Ben Simmons
The Timberwolves are going to have to do something this offseason if they want to make a playoff push next year – even if it was only for a play in spot. Long term mediocrity is not good -although rushing to get off of younger assets also can be detrimental to the long-term future of the franchise. There has to be a good balance, and Ben Simmons very well could be the answer.
Again, though, the Timberwolves are going to have to be ambitious with their assets, and targeting desperate teams (Trail Blazers, 76ers, any other team that disappointed in the playoffs) is going to have to be the route taken by management – especially without a single draft pick this offseason.
The price on Simmons is naturally going to be lower after his performance in the playoffs – but presumably other teams will be interested as well – him being available won’t just mean he’s purely a Timberwolves target. Other teams that could be interested could include the Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Indiana Pacers.