As the NBA nears the start of the 2021/22 season, tensions continue to simmer between All-Star Ben Simmons and his current team, the Sixers. Philadelphia is hoping to deal Simmons for win-now assets, while Simmons, despite having four years left on his current contract, has threatened to not report for training camp and beyond if he is not moved. The more the two sides’ stalemate drags on, the better the Timberwolves‘ odds are of swooping in to deal for the former No. 1 lottery pick, posits Michael Rand of the Star Tribune.
Rand wonders if adding Simmons could be the move Minnesota needs to return to the playoffs for the first time since the team’s lone full Jimmy Butler season in 2017/18. Rand thinks the Timberwolves should be ready to offer anyone not named Anthony Edwards or Karl-Anthony Towns in exchange for Simmons.
A year ago, the Sixers would most likely have even balked at an offer for Edwards or Towns, though that has changed now as Simmons’ value has declined following a disastrous postseason performance on offense. Simmons, a great defender and passer, could be an ideal fit for a hyper-athletic wing like Edwards and a jump-shooting center like Towns. The Timberwolves could be an excellent landing spot for Simmons, but whether or not they have enough to offer in return for the All-Defensive First Teamer without including Edwards or Towns remains to be seen.
There’s more out of the Northwest Division:
- The Timberwolves managed to avoid the NBA’s luxury tax this summer while still retaining Jarred Vanderbilt and Jordan McLaughlin, two promising young players, on affordable three-year contracts, writes Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. The 22-year-old Vanderbilt looks ready to take next steps at the power forward position, where he should see significant run, along with the newly-acquired Taurean Prince. Krawczynski notes that the 6’9″ Vanderbilt should especially help the club with rebounding, and could even be given the nod as the team’s starting power forward heading into the year.
- The Nuggets have revealed the assistant coaches slated to join their new G League team, the Grand Rapids Gold, per a team press release. Head coach Jason Terry, a former Sixth Man of the Year and champ with the Mavericks, will be helped on the bench by assistant coaches Travess Armenta (most recently a Nuggets player development coach and video department member), former Mississippi State assistant coach Tamisha Augustin, former Wizards assistant coach Jim Lynam Jr. and former Hawks assistant Nathan Babcock. This marks the first head coaching gig for Terry, a 19-year NBA veteran. He spent the 2020/21 season as an assistant coach at Arizona, his alma mater.
- In case you missed it, free agent power forward Patrick Patterson has agreed to a training camp deal with the Trail Blazers.
Lol….. But lets hear how Simmons is worth 2 studs and 4 future firsts when Philly has zero leverage.
If I am the sixers i would insist on Edwards in a deal. He is their second best player on the team and young. T-wolves do not have much more to offer the sixers and don’t say D’Lo because he is a 1 talent player.
I wouldn’t trade them Edwards straight up. He’s the guy I’m building around.
If the sixers insist on edwards they are gonna be stuck with Simmons, philly fans have no concept of their own players trade value, it’s literally Russell and a few picks best case scenario for them
For a 25 yr old THREE time all star.
Yeah you’re on it.
Those AS appearances are meaningless now. The Sixers are still trying to get the stains out of their sheets after Simmons sh*t the bed against Atlanta. It’s obvious at this point but opposing GMs view acquiring him as a potential career ending mistake. Nobody is going to give up and Edwards-level talent for Ben Simmons until there is more performance data to change his evaluation.
Thank you Pat Rollie. No team thinks one series has damaged Ben. Only using it to get value. The NBA had known who Ben is for yrs now. But you can keep swallowing the news. All Stars berths don’t mean a thing genius. It’s only why there are 12 every year.
Wow there are only 12 all stars a year? Interesting math.
And if no team thinks one series has damaged Ben then why is the best offer Philly received to date been Malcolm Brogdon, pig slop, and a 2029 second rounder?
Did you just scream “THREE time all star” or argue that all star berths don’t mean a thing”?
Oh, you said both. In successive posts. Genius.
What about Russell straight up
Wolves get Simmons and Maxey
Edwards has to be included, otherwise …..
Laughable, No way sixers get Edwards. Even D-Lo is too much at this point. Simmons is great. His personality warrants serious caution.
I think he’ll end up in Sacramento straight up for salary fillers and Harrison Barnes.
If Sixers offered Simmons for D’Lo T-wolves would do that deal in a heart beat. Simmons is not going to T-wolves if you think he can be had for nothing. SMH some fans.
The sixers can insist on whatever they please (as they have), dealing Simmons now is a bad move for both sides. Sixers have no leverage and Simmons has loads of unanswered questions. Best case scenario, Simmons plays season in Philly and goes back to the playoffs with confidence and a healthy squad. Otherwise enjoy a Buddy Hield package and get over it
The problem with Minnesota is if they don’t include Edwards or KAT they have essentially nothing to offer (no offense D’Angelo)
But even if they offer Edwards what good is that to Philly? He’s 3 years away from being prime timw and Embiid is in his prime so they’d still have to find a third team.
He will be prime time next year. For Minnesota.
Philly will never get Edwards for Simmons. Ever
One fact about Morey is he basically refuses to lose trades. If his trade demands a month ago weren’t laughable they definitely are now.
My bet is he hunkers down and starts the season with Simmons on the roster and punts to Silver.
Will the NBA front office allow a guy w/ 4 years on his deal force his way out? Probably isn’t the best precedent to set … esp considering Zion is unhappy already in NO.
Moreys got big kahunas. Nothing effects him
Here’s the only Minnesota deal not involving Edwards or KAT that *may* work for all sides.
MIN gets:
– Seth Curry (8.1m 21-22, 8.5m 22-23)
– Kevin Love (31m 21-22, 28m 22-23)
– Future CLE 1st
Total Outgoing $ – 34m
Total Incoming $ + 39.1m
CLE gets:
– Ben Simmons (31.5m 21-22, 33.9m 22-23, 36.2m 23-24, 38.6m 24-25)
– Josh Okogie (4m 21-22)
Total Outgoing $ – 37.3m
Total Incoming $ + 35.5m
PHI gets:
– D. Russell (30m 21-22, 31.3m 22-23)
– Collin Sexton (6.3m 21-22)
– Future CLE 1st
Total Outgoing $ – 39.6m
Total Incoming $ + 36.3m
Why MIN does it:
Minnesota wants Ben Simmons, but they don’t have the assets to get him. So in this scenario they play the third team facilitator, giving up D’Angelo Russell’s toxic contract and bringing home Kevin Love’s toxic contract—with the sweetener of receiving a future CLE 1st and Seth Curry, a solid role player. Also, they’ll probably be able to save cash by buying out Love, if not this year, then next year for sure. Actually receiving two modest assets for moving D’Angelo Russell should be enough of a consolation prize for them to get over not getting Simmons.
Why CLE does it:
In this scenario Cleveland is essentially getting Ben Simmons for two future 1st round picks. They seem to have no interest in extending Collin Sexton, and they’re actively trying to buy out Kevin Love. So getting rid of two players they don’t want *and* receiving Ben Simmons, regardless of what you think of Ben Simmons, is hard to argue with. How he fits on their roster is another question…
Why PHI does it:
Because—unless you’re one of the delusional Philly fans who still clings to the notion “Dame is coming”—this is the best deal they’re going to get in terms on win-now talent. The team needs shot-creating and shot-making skill on the perimeter to balance Embiid. Yes, both of these guys are flawed, minus defenders. But they’re both capable of putting up 20 ppg on the perimeter on respectable efficiency. A lineup of Embiid-Harris-Thybulle-Russell-Sexton is, yes, probably atrocious defensively. But it’s probably good enough offensively for it not to matter. Furthermore, if Morey can flip D’Angelo and the pick for another player by the TDL then the return could be improved.
Not 100% the salary works but I think I got it close enough for all sides to be passable.
Minnesota wants Ben Simmons, but they don’t have the assets to get him. So… they should trade DLo for Kevin Love, Seth Curry and a first?
Wasn’t it enough that the Cavs once pillaged the Wolves by swiping Love when he was good?
If you think D’Angelo Russell, a guy with a 17 PER and .555 TS%, at 30m is a good value for a rebuilding team, then yeah I guess it’s a bad deal.
But I think most would agree Russell is a negative value for them at 30m. And he’s a negative value to most any other team other than one as desperate as Philly.
Getting Love and buying him out if not this yr then next will save them millions of dollars. And Curry is a positive value guy who could worst case scenario get them another pick or 2.
It’s not a perfect deal. But to say MIN is getting fleeced is holding D’Angelo Russell in very high esteem, IMO.
I believe they have a winning record with all three of their big names on the court. They aren’t going to trade away Russell for practically nothing.
Love to 4th team
Wolves get equal value for All star Dlo and Okogie from 4th team
According to Vegas odd today
Top 3
Wolves
Blazers
Kings
Wolves still want to keep big 3
Blazers Lillard is unavailable
Kings keep big 2
I chuckle when I see Simmons isn’t worth a returning all- star caliber player in return, especially one that hasn’t approached his credentials in the league. Edwards being a example or a haliburton. Obviously the Sixers won’t move and will allow the petulant Simmons to sit and pay before not getting what his all-star value is. Trust in morey.
Lol, Ben Simmons “it is not my responsibility to fix my trade value” no gm in his right mind is giving up anything near what philly wants for baby attitude, Simmons basically said “I’ve hit my ceiling and I’m no longer tryin to improve” we want deaaron fox and 4 first rounders for him, hahaha such a delusional fan base and organization
Translation..I’m not reporting and I’m not playing. Nothing new. The kid isn’t saying what you my friend are saying the 3x all defense, 4x all star, rookie of the year and former number 1 pick is saying. OBVIOUSLY!!!
Everyone knows that Donovan Mitchell was the true ROY in 2018.
And the Sixers won’t get anyone even close to him for Ben Simmons.
Everyone who didn’t matter apparently my friend.
@OJ
Can we stop throwing out these awards lists? Sidney Moncrief was a multiple dpoy too. Who? Exactly. Elton Brand, Steve Francis, Emeka Okafor and Mike Miller were former ROY too. it means they had the best season among all rookies that year. He’s a very good player. However, it’s 2021 and he’s getting paid $30 mil per year and he’s failed to grow into his contract. Everyone lovvvvvvves them some defensive greats until they start getting paid big money like Gobert and D. Howard. Then the conversation goes to great defender but one dimensional offensively. Simmons can pass and defend but at $30 mil per he needs to do much more and the nba is showing they don’t want to pay big time money for defensive players who can’t score. He showed his mental fragility in the playoffs where it hampered his ability in close 4th quarter games.
Hit the nail on the head. When you’re only 25 on a max contract and your offense is declining in efficiency then past accolade do not matter.
And that’s not even getting into the concerns w/ his attitude and position.
Depending on what you mean by “picks” you may be delusional too. DLo is not a good fit on philly, plain and simple. He and curry cannot be the starting backcourt for a championship contender. So if those picks are unprotected firsts, like 2-3 with some pick swaps…maybe that’s a conversation the Sixers can have. But DLo and a pair of highly protected 1sts isn’t a smart trade for philly. If the Sixers can’t acquire an all star in this trade, they will want assets that can help them do that.
The Sixers aren’t getting 4 unprotected first round picks and 2-3 swaps for Simmons like the Rockets got for Harden, that’s not happening. The reason no trade has come to fruition yet is because they are severely overvaluing their disgruntled former star. The only way a trade happens is when they drop their demands tremendously and take a horrible deal, otherwise they’re stuck with him. Period.
Rumors my friend simply rumors.
Calm down buddy. I completely agree that the Sixers will not get a harden return. I know you love to talk about your rockets, but literally no where in my comment did I suggest a harden-esque return of 4 unprotected picks with 2-3 swaps. I said 2-3 unprotected 1sts (half to three quarters of harden) and some swaps. If there isn’t a player of value coming back, they arent trading him without multiple 1sts/swaps.
@Igivenofox
Dlo is a PERFECT fit for Sixers and Embiid. They need a point guard who can spread the floor and shoot the 3. His slash was around 43/39/72. He also took fewer shots than Kat, Edwards and Beasley which means he’s willing to put others ahead of himself. If he can help KAT have another great year then why would he be unable to do the same? yes, he’s not a defensive guy. Is Lillard? Is Foxx? Is any other point guard you Philly fans have fantasized over? Make up for the lack of D elsewhere in the team scheme or before the trade deadline. Dlo and a couple of 1st should do it.
No team is gonna WIN with DLo… point blank.
@jumpshot
great contribution. why? are they going to win with a point guard that can’t score from more than 5ft from the basket and is soi scared of FTs he’s scared to handle the ball in the 4th quarter? It’s not like they have a ton of teams knocking down their doors? Simmons has made this ordeal untenable and the clock is ticking. Dlo isn’t a winner because he hasn’t won. ppl said Irving wasn’t a winner before he won with LBJ. Not saying Embiid is LBJ but maybe they can elevate his game.
FFCF, D’Lo Russell has character issues and I think you know this but make others have to say it for argument’s sake. Everyone (else) (finally) is on to Russell. Nobody who understands the sport thinks Russell will be elevated by anyone, or values him as one would for a winner. You don’t get it, are way off. You can say what you want because Simmons isn’t moving anyway with 4 years left.
Simmons didn’t do what you wanted him to do because the HC said someone else would be the handler, and Simmons was sick of that stuff and does not care and wants out. Blame him for that if you will.
The nets did
I can think of bigger losers than D LO
@jump
once again, thanks for your insightful and informed opinion and explanation. “he just plum ain’t no good pa”.
If you think DLo is a perfect fit and makes the Sixers a championship contender, then I cannot make a rebuttal. You can’t just shake your hands and say you will fix the defense on the fly. Curry and Dlo could be the worst defensive pairing in the league. Scheme all you want, you need players who can execute. You can’t have 2/3 of your wing defense be atrocious and expect to win in today’s NBA. Look at Portland for a prime example. Dame may be a terrible defender but he is elite offensively. DLo is atrocious on defense and good on offense. Huge difference in caliber of player. I think DLo and a couple firsts (2 or 3 unprotected) and a pick swap or 2 depending on picks could be something that may work. That would give the Sixers some assets to flip for the all star they seek
@igivenofox
I never said Dlo eas perfect but show me a better point guard option thst has been discussed? Dlo gives Sixers a true point gost, a true scoring threat and a serious 3pt threat to ho song with Curry. You can complement the lineup with other defensive minded players but AS OF TODAY there is no perfect PG on the table and they are in win now mode
Bro, you literally said “DLo is a perfect fit for Sixers”
D. Lo and picks is the same issue as Edwards for Philly—are you making the deal then trying to make a subsequent deal? I doubt Morey will opt for that—I think the only way a Minny deal happens is if it’s a 3 team.
But then the question becomes who’s the third team that’s supplying the win now perimeter player … in exchange for Russell and picks?? I don’t think it’s going to be Washington w/ Bradley Beal.
Maybe there’s another team no one’s thinking of—but if there is, wouldn’t they probably just prefer to get Ben Simmons straight up than D’Angelo Russell and picks in a 3 team?
Oh I absolutely agree. I am firmly in the camp of keep Simmons until you get the offer you want. I just was saying that IF the Sixers are going to entertain a Minnesota offer, it would have to be a very good package of picks/swaps
Sixers are a contender. They don’t need young guys. They need young vets. DRuss is not a winner, I would not want him for Embiid. Wolves got nothing to offer Sixers. Move on …
Been saying it since they lost. Kings offer best deal. Halliburton Ali e is worth it for this team. His game is EXACTLY what they need. At his age Sixers will challenge for next 7 yrs.
Halliburton, Heild, Bagley, #1 pick >>>>
For >>>> Ben, Maxey (get him out of here now).
Bagley will flourish with Embiid. Can also play small ball center. Everyone thought he was next AD coming out in draft. Playing with Embiid he may just reach that. Heild gives them the shooting they miss. Sixers would get a premier PG ready to take over. And two rotation guys who can start now. Kings do t want Heild or Bagley. This is the way to go. This works in so many ways.
Morey you can put my check in the mail.
Truth.
Kings offered Haliburton?
Not in the media or in rumors. Kings rumor is they offered Mitchell. Morey asked for Fox. Rumors only.
I’m Sixers, it has to start with Halliburton.
Agree start being the key word. I like his height over the scrawny fox.
The Kings have said Haliburton is not available. And neither is Fox.
Buddy, Bagley and picks.
Simmons value has tanked!!
Hope the Wolves pass on him………..76’rs want too much for a guy who caves like the French in WWII. If he could have made a couple free throws and a couple 4 ft shots the 76’rs would have advanced in the playoffs……but he melted mentally.
Dlo and Prince and a #1 pick and that’s the most i’d give for him…..Sixers fans all go crazy about Dlo not playing defense……well then what the hell should the Wolves say about Simmons piss poor offense?? It goes both ways. 30 million for a guy who passes the ball unguarded 5 ft from the rim…yeah he’s a champ too.
What I say to that is Ben Simmons still has value on offense. He is one of the most dangerous transition offensive players in game. He’s capable of attacking the basket at will. Sure he can’t/won’t shoot, but he can still put up 20/30 a night given the opportunity. Simmons as the 2nd best player on his team has had them in the playoffs for almost his entire career and the #1 seed last season. What has DLo done?
“Given the opportunity”
According to statmuse.com in 20-21 in 16 gms Ben Simmons averaged 15.5 ppg on 6/12 fg w/ 8rpg and 6.6 apg.
So when given the opportunity to be a #1 option in a spread offense … he did basically the same thing he did w/ Embiid.
You’re so factual, but the trade will be about egos & emotion & the value of a contract duration.
I think Silver will have to step in eventually.
D lo and Simmons are two imperfect players, swapping them out will not net either team true contender status. That’s the ” fax”, add in Beasley and whatever filler and the deal should be done.
I am a huge fan of Simmons that is for sure… but come on man saying PHI wouldn’t have taken KAT for him is the most outrageous idea like ever!
Ben is a top 20 player in the league, right?… Well KAT is a top 5… so there is no way to compare them!!!
Minnesota wants Ben Simmons, but they don’t have the assets to get him. So… they should trade DLo for Kevin Love, Seth Curry and a first?
Wasn’t it enough that the Cavs once pillaged the Wolves by swiping Love when he was good?
IF Minnesota can get Simmons for D-Lo….
Play Simmons at the Point-Forward (3/SF position). He is the primary ball-handler with Ant and KAT terrorizing off-ball.
Beverly, McDaniels, Vanderbilt provide supplementary defense and rebounding. J-Mac and Naz Reid off the bench. It would work well for Minnesota!