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Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 trades for Ben Simmons

By Dylan Jackson

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards during Game Four of the Eastern Conference first round series at Capital One Arena on May 31, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards during Game Four of the Eastern Conference first round series at Capital One Arena on May 31, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 07: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans is defended by Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers, both of which could be Minnesota Timberwolves trade targets. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 07: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans is defended by Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers, both of which could be Minnesota Timberwolves trade targets. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

*Timberwolves pick protected 1-14 (Lottery)

With this trade, things get a little bit more creative. Instead of D’Angelo Russell going to Philadelphia, he’s sent to New Orleans, who signs Lonzo Ball to a 4-year extension before trading him to the 76ers.

One major note here: Lonzo Ball would have to agree to be sent to Philadelphia in this scenario since he is becoming a restricted free agent.

The 76ers would be getting two great young complementary pieces in addition to two first-round draft picks. If they want to find surrounding talent for Joel Embiid, that’s a good way to go about things – especially if they want to package more assets for another star in the future.

The Timberwolves, in this scenario, would be giving up the same assets as stated in the first trade offer, just divering Russell to the Pelicans, who desperately need more scoring from their backcourt.

Lonzo Ball is a great player, but his ability (and confidence) to score at the rim has been inconsistent at best (although slightly improved from this past season). His youth and 3-and-D skill set make him more appealing than Russell for a team like Philadelphia, who needs to do their best at surrounding their MVP-level talent.

but SHOULD the Timberwolves trade for Ben Simmons?. dark. Next

Again, the Timberwolves would have a core of Simmons, Edwards, and Towns, which very well could be one of the best young cores in the Western Conference.

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