4 midseason trade ideas to improve the Timberwolves

4. Could Ben Simmons to the Timberwolves finally happen?

The Wolves have been linked to Simmons for months. At this point, it’s hard to envision what a Simmons trade would even look like. It’s also hard to know what other teams would be willing to offer in exchange for Simmons. The possibility of a three-team trade further complicates things as well.

With all that said, the Wolves front office has been known to be persistent. They waited six months to acquire D’Angelo Russell after missing out on him in free agency, and odds are they are willing to wait for Ben Simmons. Simmons is an All-Star-caliber player and would be a game-changer on both ends for the Timberwolves.

Here’s an example of what the Wolves could offer in a straight-up trade.

Is this offer good enough to beat out other offers? Maybe, but probably not. The 76ers reportedly expect a top-25 player in return for Simmons, which this trade doesn’t include. However, it’s not entirely obvious where the next available ‘top 25’ player would come from. Portland? Sacramento? Indiana? Maybe.

Regardless, this package for the 76ers gives them draft capital and more young players to either complement their best players, or to package in a bigger trade down the road.

Regardless of whether or not the Wolves can pull off a significant move at the trade deadline, expect them to be very active. This Wolves roster has many unchecked boxes, and there are plenty of available options during this trade period that would help tick some of those boxes.

Having made the playoffs once in 17 years, expect Gupta and the Timberwolves front office to do their best to make a significant move.