Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G/F Ben Simmons, G/F Danny Green
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, G Malik Beasley, F Jaden McDaniels, MIN 2023 1st Round Pick (Top-8 Protected), MIN 2025 1st Round Pick
This is a trade that we would not see until the second month of the season, as Danny Green recently signed a new two-year, $20M deal with the final year of his contract non-guaranteed.
As a result, Green cannot be traded until November 6, 2021 at the earliest, which would mean that Simmons would spend the first three weeks or so of the 2021-22 season in Philadelphia.
Given that the Philadelphia 76ers have been unable to find the right trade partner for Simmons over the last few months, it seems very likely that he could remain on the 76ers roster to begin the 2021-22 season. Whether or not he holds out and decides not to play is yet to be known, but this whole Ben Simmons trade saga is getting very intriguing.
Not only has Simmons reportedly cut off communication with teammates and Sixers’ staff, but Shams Charania of The Athletic is now reporting that Simmons’ time with the 76ers is coming to an end.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: Best & Worst Trade Destinations For 76ers’ Ben Simmons
It appears that he is going to be on the move in the coming months, which is why the Minnesota Timberwolves could very well be the team he ends up on.
They have consistently been in contact with the 76ers and obviously have a strong interest in Simmons, which is why they will be doing what it takes to acquire him. A third or fourth team will likely be included in this deal, but this is the best trade Minnesota can offer to Philadelphia for Ben Simmons.
In terms of talent, the Sixers definitely get value with Russell, Beasley and McDaniels, but they really want another All-Star talent to pair with Embiid and Harris, which is why they likely would not want Russell as their main “get back” for Simmons in a trade.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: Best & Worst Trade Destinations For 76ers’ Ben Simmons
D’Angelo Russell was an All-Star during the 2018-19 season, but injuries have caused him to take a small step backwards, which is why the Philadelphia 76ers likely would not be interested.
Minnesota wants Ben Simmons, Philadelphia does not really know what they want and we know Ben Simmons is going to be on the move soon, so let’s take a look at if this deal makes sense for both teams.
