Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 trades with the Philadelphia 76ers

*Quick note: I’m not a CBA expert nor will I pretend to be. I am unsure of how the S+T complicates the logistics of this trade, but this could be the framework.

Okay, hear me out. If the Timberwolves are not the team that acquires Ben Simmons via trade, they could help facilitate such a move. Here, they help Sacramento and Philly swap players – a Fox-for-Simmons deal. Instead of wanting picks, though, the Kings move the 9th overall selection to Minnesota in order to get Malik Beasley on the 76ers.

Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 trades with the Philadelphia 76ers

So, for the Timberwolves, they would be acquiring Shake Milton, Danny Green (sign+trade), and the 9th overall pick for Malik Beasley and Jarrett Culver. They get two solid rotational players that are capable of receiving minutes along the wings while also getting a good lottery pick.

With the 9th overall pick, there are various players that could be in contention, but the one that would make the most sense for Minnesota is Michigan’s Franz Wagner.

Wagner is a high-floor player that can play either forward spot. He’s a good shooter with great feel for the game and can defend well positionally. Another player the Timberwolves could consider with their newfound lottery pick in this scenario is Jalen Johnson, a big athletic wing/forward that brings a variety of skills and untapped potential. A frontcourt of he, Jaden McDaniels, and Karl-Anthony Towns would be nothing short of fun.

Additionally, Danny Green is included in this deal as a win-now veteran. He adds shooting and defense. The Timberwolves would be hard-capping themselves with this trade, but it honestly wouldn’t matter too much since they should be concerned about the luxury tax line anyways. Green won’t be earning much in a salary-descending, 3-year, $24 million deal.