Should Timberwolves Still Be Considered “Frontrunner” For Simmons Trade?

Ben Simmons, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

NBA training camps are set to begin on Tuesday, September 28. Still, the Philadelphia 76ers are expected to already be down one man as Ben Simmons has said that he will not be participating nor showing up to Sixers training camp. This is stemming from the ongoing trade talks revolving around Simmons, but this situation has seemed to have gotten a little bit out of control. 

Originally, after their loss in the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the Atlanta Hawks, head coach Doc Rivers stated that he was not sure if Ben Simmons could be the point guard of a championship-caliber team like the 76ers, and recently, he has since tried to backtrack on what exactly he said.

As the offseason progressed, the 76ers were unable to get in contact with Simmons and his camp, ultimately resulting in the 3x All-Star formally requesting a trade from Philadelphia. 

Seeing that he is still a young, valuable All-Star in this league, the 76ers should not just give him up for nothing, but at the same time, if he is going to sit out training camp and the start of the season, the 76ers may not have any other options at this point.

LATEST NBA NEWS: Everything To Know About Latest Ben Simmons NBA Trade Rumors

Moving Ben Simmons seems inevitable, but in this game of “cat and mouse” between the Sixers and Simmons, the 76ers have made the next move by saying that they do in fact want Ben Simmons to report to training camp and be a part of the team to begin the new season. 

This is likely because they have been unable to find the trade package that they have been looking for this offseason and would like Simmons’ value to remain high.

Whether or not Simmons will actually show up to the 76ers facility remains the number one question on everyone’s mind around the league, but he may not have to if the 76ers lower their asking price and look to move him before the start of the 2021-22 season. 

LATEST NBA NEWS: Everything To Know About Latest Ben Simmons NBA Trade Rumors

The San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings, and Toronto Raptors are all teams that have inquired about the 7-foot “point guard”, but the Minnesota Timberwolves still remains as one of the betting favorites to land him.

With Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and Ben Simmons, the Timberwolves would surely be able to begin growing into a threat in the Western Conference, but do they have the assets the 76ers would want? 

It seems like Minnesota is ready to make a big move in this league and they are going to need another All-Star talent like Ben Simmons to make this happen.

They do have a former All-Star, young talents and draft picks to offer up, so it will be interesting to see if Daryl Morey and this 76ers front-office lower their expectations on the return they will be getting for Ben Simmons, allowing the Minnesota Timberwolves to sneak in and acquire him before the start of the new season.

Draymond Green Brutally Rips Warriors After Loss Against Timberwolves

The Golden State Warriors‘ chances to make the NBA postseason are dwindling by the day. On Sunday evening, they faced off with the Minnesota Timberwolves

Warriors’ Stephen Curry Takes Shot at Steve Kerr for Reduced Minutes

The Golden State Warriors’ 2023-24 NBA season is hanging on by a thread. The team is only one game ahead of the Houston Rockets for

Sources: Spurs Eyeing Trade Targets Around Victor Wembanyama

The 2023-24 NBA regular season has not been great for the San Antonio Spurs, who are 15-56, owners of the third worst record in the