Minnesota Timberwolves: Rumor Mill

[Phenom]

How badly does Sacramento want Simmons and what packages are they bidding against to include Fox? Knowing what we currently have seen rumored I can't see Fox presently in the equation.

[Monster]

Here's my thinking. If De'Aaron Fox had been made available in these trade talks at any point, we'd probably know by now. That would be a big piece of information that would not go quietly with as many sources and reporters as there are. The fact that Ben Simmons is not returning to the Sixers in any capacity means that his trade value for Philadelphia only goes down from here -- not up. Teams do not increase their offers significantly once unhappy players start forcing their teams to move them. Philadelphia's best hope is that something unusual happens with Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal before the season that makes them want out of their current situations, OR the Sixers will deal Simmons for much less than a Fox or a D'Angelo Russell. Need I remind everyone here that James Harden was traded for a package where the best player in return was Caris LeVert. LeVert is a fine young player, but not nearly as valuable as Fox is right now. It's just not happening from my perspective. These trade offers are not going to be that good for Simmons despite the level of player he is.

Personally I think the Rockets could have done well in that Harden trade if they would have actually wanted the best players in that trade. Jarrett Allen they could have paid up to resign and the longer away from that deal the more puzzling it is that they picked Dip over Lavert. Anywho was that package a discounted one for Harden? Sure I could see that but 2 legit starters plus all the possible draft capital is a healthy return for a really good player.

Now if Simmons does force his hand then yep the price isn't gonna be ideally high for the Sixers. Morey has played his hand very similarly to what Thibs did with Butler except the situation is more out in the open. Both guys asked ridiculous prices for their guys who then seem to have to force the POBO into making a move. Another big difference is one guy was on a 1 year deal and the other one is signed for 4 years. Anyway it will be interesting to see how things play out.

[Monster]

Patrick Beverley just retweeted a post that said if you add Ben Simmons to a team that has Karl-Anthony Towns, D'Angelo Russell, and Anthony Edwards, then you have a contender. He said "Facts." Obviously, Beverley isn't pulling the strings, but it's interesting that he would tweet this considering I'd have to think that he would be involved for salary matching purposes... Or perhaps not? Maybe the idea is to trade Malik Beasley and Taurean Prince plus draft capital. In that case, Beverley would be part of that new-look Wolves team.

Beverly knows both decision makers of each franchise pretty well...

Also Beverly would be in a good position if he was dealt too as he would probably have a role with the Sixers but he is obviously excited to be with the Wolves.

As your other posted mentioned that Simmons might want to actually come to MN that could be really good news if he decides that's his landing spot.

I would guess that of Beasley is part of the deal he goes to a 3rd (or even 4th) team. I still can't imagine that Morey wouldn't have interest in Russell and Rosas would actually draw the line at not trading him. If Edwards wasn't here yeah that makes sense but with Edwards here and getting Simmons who is basically a huge PG...it makes a lot of sense and I do like a Russell I'm not trying to ship him out or whatever.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Good points Cam, but if Simmons goes for a deal with Wolves for picks and J. McDaniels as the best player. You better believe Sac jumps in and they can offer a better package.

And if Rosas wouldn't include Dlo in a deal for Simmons we are in trouble with him leading our team, uffdha

That's fair, I suppose. I tend to think Philadelphia will end up making a trade that best sets them up well to acquire Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal in the event that they become available this season or next summer, which means future draft picks will be more valuable in a trade than young players with rookie scale contracts who haven't established themselves yet. Is Sacramento willing to part with the draft capital that Minnesota's willing to? If you believe the rumors I posted the other day, then the answer to that is no at the moment, but things can obviously change.

Also, D'Angelo Russell is worth keeping on his own merit, but even more so when you figure Ben Simmons into the picture. D-Lo is undoubtedly an excellent three-point shooter and can create shots for both himself and teammates. That plays well next to Simmons and his strengths and weaknesses. Not to mention, if Simmons lands in Minnesota you're looking at Russell as your third or fourth best player. While that is an expensive salary for a third or fourth cog, that's also a very good player that is better than many team's second or third best player.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Patrick Beverley just retweeted a post that said if you add Ben Simmons to a team that has Karl-Anthony Towns, D'Angelo Russell, and Anthony Edwards, then you have a contender. He said "Facts." Obviously, Beverley isn't pulling the strings, but it's interesting that he would tweet this considering I'd have to think that he would be involved for salary matching purposes... Or perhaps not? Maybe the idea is to trade Malik Beasley and Taurean Prince plus draft capital. In that case, Beverley would be part of that new-look Wolves team.

Beverly knows both decision makers of each franchise pretty well...

Also Beverly would be in a good position if he was dealt too as he would probably have a role with the Sixers but he is obviously excited to be with the Wolves.

As your other posted mentioned that Simmons might want to actually come to MN that could be really good news if he decides that's his landing spot.

I would guess that of Beasley is part of the deal he goes to a 3rd (or even 4th) team. I still can't imagine that Morey wouldn't have interest in Russell and Rosas would actually draw the line at not trading him. If Edwards wasn't here yeah that makes sense but with Edwards here and getting Simmons who is basically a huge PG...it makes a lot of sense and I do like a Russell I'm not trying to ship him out or whatever.

Depending on how you feel about the rumors I posted recently, it's certainly possible -- and perhaps even probable -- that Daryl Morey has already asked for D'Angelo Russell in return and so far has been denied. Like I just said in my last comment, Russell's game integrates extremely well with Ben Simmons' game. There's also already some experience and cohesiveness between the two as they went 45-2 and won back-to-back national championships down here at Montverde Academy. Will that carry over? Obviously, the NBA is a different beast, but those two should be quite familiar with each other's games and styles.

[Monster]

Patrick Beverley just retweeted a post that said if you add Ben Simmons to a team that has Karl-Anthony Towns, D'Angelo Russell, and Anthony Edwards, then you have a contender. He said "Facts." Obviously, Beverley isn't pulling the strings, but it's interesting that he would tweet this considering I'd have to think that he would be involved for salary matching purposes... Or perhaps not? Maybe the idea is to trade Malik Beasley and Taurean Prince plus draft capital. In that case, Beverley would be part of that new-look Wolves team.

Beverly knows both decision makers of each franchise pretty well...

Also Beverly would be in a good position if he was dealt too as he would probably have a role with the Sixers but he is obviously excited to be with the Wolves.

As your other posted mentioned that Simmons might want to actually come to MN that could be really good news if he decides that's his landing spot.

I would guess that of Beasley is part of the deal he goes to a 3rd (or even 4th) team. I still can't imagine that Morey wouldn't have interest in Russell and Rosas would actually draw the line at not trading him. If Edwards wasn't here yeah that makes sense but with Edwards here and getting Simmons who is basically a huge PG...it makes a lot of sense and I do like a Russell I'm not trying to ship him out or whatever.

Depending on how you feel about the rumors I posted recently, it's certainly possible -- and perhaps even probable -- that Daryl Morey has already asked for D'Angelo Russell in return and so far has been denied. Like I just said in my last comment, Russell's game integrates extremely well with Ben Simmons' game. There's also already some experience and cohesiveness between the two as they went 45-2 and won back-to-back national championships down here at Montverde Academy. Will that carry over? Obviously, the NBA is a different beast, but those two should be quite familiar with each other's games and styles.

Yeah I absolutely agree they certainly could co-exist.

Let's say just as an exercise that Russell was a possible option for both teams in a Simmons trade. My guess is that Morey would want more immediate help and at the very least certainly more assets. Maybe What Morey has asked for in addition to Russell is just simply too much (even if Morey came down to what Rosas would agree was actually somewhat realistic/reasonable) for Rosas to agree to.

Like you said so far the reporting is that the Wolves don't want to give up Russell and the Sixers aren't really that interested in Russell. I can see that being the case. I just see Russell as somewhat of the type of player that the Sixers need. On the other hand Russell and Edwards and Towns in the playoffs with Simmons filling various gaps and the other guys making up for his flaws...yeah that would really be something. If they were able to do it and keep McDaniels too and McDaniels even becomes that elite role player he has the potential to be. Damn. I'm working to keep from getting my hopes up.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

According to NBA Shot Charts, D'Angelo Russell made 52.2% of his two-pointers (1.01 PPS) and 46.7% (1.40 PPS) of his three-pointers when Karl-Anthony Towns was on the floor with him.

When KAT was off, Russell made 46% of his twos (0.92 PPS) and 36.6% of his threes (1.07 PPS).

Keep this in mind when we think about what this duo can mean for each other, but specifically what Towns does for Russell's game. The extra attention that Towns takes away allows Russell to just have to beat his defender and/or simply make shots versus having to take on an entire defense.

Now let's factor in what a guy like Ben Simmons does for the whole team, but again, specifically for Russell. I think once defenses aren't focusing in on D-Lo as the number one option, that's when you're going to get the best version of him -- an efficient flamethrower that we saw to end the season. Simmons being able to handle the ball and facilitate adds to that idea. He can't be your number one, and we've only gotten a taste of what he could do as your number two, but if he's your third or fourth best player because of a Simmons trade and/or Anthony Edwards' ascension, then your team is going to be very, very good.

[thedoper]

Getting Simmons would be huge for so many reasons. Im trying to not get excited Cam. It would be sad to see Jaden go, but if Rosas could hold up a foursome of KAT, Ant, DLo and Simmons that would be an insanely talented core.

[Lipoli390]

Good points Cam, but if Simmons goes for a deal with Wolves for picks and J. McDaniels as the best player. You better believe Sac jumps in and they can offer a better package.

And if Rosas wouldn't include Dlo in a deal for Simmons we are in trouble with him leading our team, uffdha

That's fair, I suppose. I tend to think Philadelphia will end up making a trade that best sets them up well to acquire Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal in the event that they become available this season or next summer, which means future draft picks will be more valuable in a trade than young players with rookie scale contracts who haven't established themselves yet. Is Sacramento willing to part with the draft capital that Minnesota's willing to? If you believe the rumors I posted the other day, then the answer to that is no at the moment, but things can obviously change.

Also, D'Angelo Russell is worth keeping on his own merit, but even more so when you figure Ben Simmons into the picture. D-Lo is undoubtedly an excellent three-point shooter and can create shots for both himself and teammates. That plays well next to Simmons and his strengths and weaknesses. Not to mention, if Simmons lands in Minnesota you're looking at Russell as your third or fourth best player. While that is an expensive salary for a third or fourth cog, that's also a very good player that is better than many team's second or third best player.

We're all just guessing, of course. But I don't see Morey betting on the possibility of getting Lillard or Beal late this season or next off-season. That's way too uncertain and, in the meantime, he basically loses a season. Embiid's physical durability has a rapidly ticking clock and Morey knows he can't afford to forego any season to contend for a title. I think he'll hold out as long as he can for one of the teams that clearly wants Simmons to give him the all-star caliber, offensive-oriented lead guard he obviously needs to pair with Embiid. We all know he covets Lillard and Beal, probably more the former than the latter. The next step down from those two among the teams reportedly interested in Simmons is Fox. The next step down from that among then interested teams would be DLO.

If none of those four - Lillard, Beal, Fox or DLO - is made available by the beginning of the season, then Morey will have two choices. One choice would be to ride out the season with Simmons. They had the best record in the East with Simmons last season. The other choice would be to accept the best package of players to help the team win next season. I just don't see him accepting a package centered around a bunch of future draft picks. The core value to Morey of any package he accepts, in my view, will be the players he receives. It would appear there are three teams with a lot of interest in Simmons who haven't already made moves that would probably rule out a serious bid for Simmons over the next month: Minnesota, Toronto and Sacramento. Assuming Fox is off the table, the salient question is whether Morey would a package that includes (1) VanVleet and Anunoby; (2) Haliburton and Hield; or (3) Beasley, Prince, and Layman. All three options would likely include future draft picks. Those are essentially the three options I think he'll have if Fox isn't made available. I think the first two options would be more attractive to Morey than the third (Wolves) option, even if the Wolves included more future picks.

I wouldn't bet on Fox being made available. But I wouldn't bet heavily against it either. Just because he hasn't been made available yet, doesn't mean he won't be made available by the time the season starts. It really depends on how badly Sacramento wants Simmons and what the Wolves, Raptors or some other team might eventually offer. If the Sixers are about to bite on a Wolves deal loaded with a bunch of draft picks or with DLO rather than Beasley as the headliner, you can be sure Morey will make other suitors aware of that fact in an effort to jar loose a player he really wants. That's when Sacramento just might offer up Fox, while possibly insisting on getting Maxey or Korkmaz in return to sweeten the deal. I have no doubt Morey would opt for Fox over anything the Wolves might offer short of something that included KAT or Edwards and I think he'd include Maxey or Korkmaz along with Simmons in his outgoing package.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I'm just afraid that Rosas will get played by Morey. I like Gersson's eye for young talent, but I don't trust his business judgment or negotiating savvy.

[Coolbreeze44]

Getting Simmons would be huge for so many reasons. Im trying to not get excited Cam. It would be sad to see Jaden go, but if Rosas could hold up a foursome of KAT, Ant, DLo and Simmons that would be an insanely talented core.

You have to give something to get something. If no other teams in the league wanted Simmons, we might pull off a steal like that. But there WILL be competition for him and we won't get him for 50 cents on the dollar.