3. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves need a shake-up. They have missed the postseason 16 out of the last 17 years, qualifying only in 2018 when they had Jimmy Butler leading the way. Minnesota was eliminated in the first round that year.
They have two franchise cornerstones in Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards to build around. Adding a player of Ben Simmons’s caliber to those two would give Minnesota quite a trio to build around for the future.
Simmons’ shortcomings offensively would be easier to overcome with players that provide the offensive firepower of those two. Minnesota would be able to instead highlight the strengths that Simmons brings to a basketball court.
His All-NBA defense would be welcomed with open arms. Minnesota hasn’t had a defensive rating below 110 since the 2013-14 season. This season, their 115.0 defensive rating was 28th in the league.
With Ricky Rubio being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Timberwolves could also use another playmaker. Rubio led the Timberwolves with 6.4 assists per game last season, leaving the team without a lead playmaker.
