Simmons Prediction Thread

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I'm adding a very minor prediction to this thread. If Minnesota does acquire Ben Simmons, then I would expect Jake Layman to find his way into the deal or a separate deal of some kind so the Wolves can remain under the luxury tax threshold.

Malik Beasley, Taurean Prince, Jake Layman, and Jaden McDaniels salaries for Ben Simmons leaves Minnesota under the threshold by about 500-thousand.

[TAFKASP]

I'm adding a very minor prediction to this thread. If Minnesota does acquire Ben Simmons, then I would expect Jake Layman to find his way into the deal or a separate deal of some kind so the Wolves can remain under the luxury tax threshold.

Malik Beasley, Taurean Prince, Jake Layman, and Jaden McDaniels salaries for Ben Simmons leaves Minnesota under the threshold by about 500-thousand.

In that case I'm 100% against this trade! Losing Jake Layman is just going waaaaaay toooooo faaaaaaaarrrrrrr! LOL

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I'm adding a very minor prediction to this thread. If Minnesota does acquire Ben Simmons, then I would expect Jake Layman to find his way into the deal or a separate deal of some kind so the Wolves can remain under the luxury tax threshold.

Malik Beasley, Taurean Prince, Jake Layman, and Jaden McDaniels salaries for Ben Simmons leaves Minnesota under the threshold by about 500-thousand.

In that case I'm 100% against this trade! Losing Jake Layman is just going waaaaaay toooooo faaaaaaaarrrrrrr! LOL

Ha! I'm sure Jester will be on the other end of that one. If I recall, it's his wife that will be most upset by the loss of Ole Blue Eyes himself.

[Coolbreeze44]

I'm sorry I don't quite understand. When Rosas left us with no picks this last draft we all bitched and moaned but now with this Simmons deal I see us again throwing all of our first round drafts at him? Don't we want to keep those first rounders instead? Just curious.

It's all situational. I was maybe the only one not bitching about being without draft picks this summer as a result of the D'Angelo Russell trade because I still think Russell at his best, which we haven't seen yet in Minnesota, is worth Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga -- an intriguing young player, but far from a blue-chipper. That trade will always make sense in my mind and I have no issues with Gersson Rosas pulling the trigger.

Trading multiple picks for Ben Simmons will similarly come down to how you feel about said player. Simmons just turned 25 and has an All-NBA bid and multiple All-Star nominations under his belt. He just finished runner-up in Defensive Player of the Year voting to Rudy Gobert when it seems apparent that Simmons could have and maybe should have won that award. He's listed at 6'11, 240-pounds -- though might be slightly smaller -- and has guard skills that no one else his size possesses. Does he come with flaws? Of course he does or else he wouldn't be available. But if you can envision Simmons being a huge piece of the puzzle for Minnesota becoming a contender, then why exactly would you let draft capital restrict you? You cash that in and go for it. If you think Simmons won't move the needle for the Wolves, then by all means sit on your hands and roll with the current roster.

Cam, excuse me but were you out of the country last year with no access to NBA games?

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I'm sorry I don't quite understand. When Rosas left us with no picks this last draft we all bitched and moaned but now with this Simmons deal I see us again throwing all of our first round drafts at him? Don't we want to keep those first rounders instead? Just curious.

It's all situational. I was maybe the only one not bitching about being without draft picks this summer as a result of the D'Angelo Russell trade because I still think Russell at his best, which we haven't seen yet in Minnesota, is worth Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga -- an intriguing young player, but far from a blue-chipper. That trade will always make sense in my mind and I have no issues with Gersson Rosas pulling the trigger.

Trading multiple picks for Ben Simmons will similarly come down to how you feel about said player. Simmons just turned 25 and has an All-NBA bid and multiple All-Star nominations under his belt. He just finished runner-up in Defensive Player of the Year voting to Rudy Gobert when it seems apparent that Simmons could have and maybe should have won that award. He's listed at 6'11, 240-pounds -- though might be slightly smaller -- and has guard skills that no one else his size possesses. Does he come with flaws? Of course he does or else he wouldn't be available. But if you can envision Simmons being a huge piece of the puzzle for Minnesota becoming a contender, then why exactly would you let draft capital restrict you? You cash that in and go for it. If you think Simmons won't move the needle for the Wolves, then by all means sit on your hands and roll with the current roster.

Cam, excuse me but were you out of the country last year with no access to NBA games?

D'Angelo Russell's best is an All-Star level -- or near All-Star for the sticklers out there. That singular year in Brooklyn far outshines anything that Andrew Wiggins has done to date. Perhaps we can revisit this conversation if Wiggins produces a season that yields a VORP of 1.0 or better, or a BPM that isn't negative. Otherwise, I don't care to have this conversation with you yet again.

[Coolbreeze44]

I'm sorry I don't quite understand. When Rosas left us with no picks this last draft we all bitched and moaned but now with this Simmons deal I see us again throwing all of our first round drafts at him? Don't we want to keep those first rounders instead? Just curious.

It's all situational. I was maybe the only one not bitching about being without draft picks this summer as a result of the D'Angelo Russell trade because I still think Russell at his best, which we haven't seen yet in Minnesota, is worth Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga -- an intriguing young player, but far from a blue-chipper. That trade will always make sense in my mind and I have no issues with Gersson Rosas pulling the trigger.

Trading multiple picks for Ben Simmons will similarly come down to how you feel about said player. Simmons just turned 25 and has an All-NBA bid and multiple All-Star nominations under his belt. He just finished runner-up in Defensive Player of the Year voting to Rudy Gobert when it seems apparent that Simmons could have and maybe should have won that award. He's listed at 6'11, 240-pounds -- though might be slightly smaller -- and has guard skills that no one else his size possesses. Does he come with flaws? Of course he does or else he wouldn't be available. But if you can envision Simmons being a huge piece of the puzzle for Minnesota becoming a contender, then why exactly would you let draft capital restrict you? You cash that in and go for it. If you think Simmons won't move the needle for the Wolves, then by all means sit on your hands and roll with the current roster.

Cam, excuse me but were you out of the country last year with no access to NBA games?

D'Angelo Russell's best is an All-Star level -- or near All-Star for the sticklers out there. That singular year in Brooklyn far outshines anything that Andrew Wiggins has done to date. Perhaps we can revisit this conversation if Wiggins produces a season that yields a VORP of 1.0 or better, or a BPM that isn't negative. Otherwise, I don't care to have this conversation with you yet again.

I have read you have the same take on that trade literally 50 times. If you don't want to have the conversation, stop bringing it up.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I'm sorry I don't quite understand. When Rosas left us with no picks this last draft we all bitched and moaned but now with this Simmons deal I see us again throwing all of our first round drafts at him? Don't we want to keep those first rounders instead? Just curious.

It's all situational. I was maybe the only one not bitching about being without draft picks this summer as a result of the D'Angelo Russell trade because I still think Russell at his best, which we haven't seen yet in Minnesota, is worth Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga -- an intriguing young player, but far from a blue-chipper. That trade will always make sense in my mind and I have no issues with Gersson Rosas pulling the trigger.

Trading multiple picks for Ben Simmons will similarly come down to how you feel about said player. Simmons just turned 25 and has an All-NBA bid and multiple All-Star nominations under his belt. He just finished runner-up in Defensive Player of the Year voting to Rudy Gobert when it seems apparent that Simmons could have and maybe should have won that award. He's listed at 6'11, 240-pounds -- though might be slightly smaller -- and has guard skills that no one else his size possesses. Does he come with flaws? Of course he does or else he wouldn't be available. But if you can envision Simmons being a huge piece of the puzzle for Minnesota becoming a contender, then why exactly would you let draft capital restrict you? You cash that in and go for it. If you think Simmons won't move the needle for the Wolves, then by all means sit on your hands and roll with the current roster.

Cam, excuse me but were you out of the country last year with no access to NBA games?

D'Angelo Russell's best is an All-Star level -- or near All-Star for the sticklers out there. That singular year in Brooklyn far outshines anything that Andrew Wiggins has done to date. Perhaps we can revisit this conversation if Wiggins produces a season that yields a VORP of 1.0 or better, or a BPM that isn't negative. Otherwise, I don't care to have this conversation with you yet again.

I have read you have the same take on that trade literally 50 times. If you don't want to have the conversation, stop bringing it up.

You'll probably read it 50 more times -- at least. Also, I wasn't even responding to your comment. You inserted yourself here. I have no interest in having the conversation again with you. You're a fan of Andrew Wiggins. I'm a fan of D'Angelo Russell. We aren't going to change each other's minds or gain traction in understanding. Therefore, it's a waste of time. Keep it moving old man.

[Coolbreeze44]

I'm sorry I don't quite understand. When Rosas left us with no picks this last draft we all bitched and moaned but now with this Simmons deal I see us again throwing all of our first round drafts at him? Don't we want to keep those first rounders instead? Just curious.

It's all situational. I was maybe the only one not bitching about being without draft picks this summer as a result of the D'Angelo Russell trade because I still think Russell at his best, which we haven't seen yet in Minnesota, is worth Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga -- an intriguing young player, but far from a blue-chipper. That trade will always make sense in my mind and I have no issues with Gersson Rosas pulling the trigger.

Trading multiple picks for Ben Simmons will similarly come down to how you feel about said player. Simmons just turned 25 and has an All-NBA bid and multiple All-Star nominations under his belt. He just finished runner-up in Defensive Player of the Year voting to Rudy Gobert when it seems apparent that Simmons could have and maybe should have won that award. He's listed at 6'11, 240-pounds -- though might be slightly smaller -- and has guard skills that no one else his size possesses. Does he come with flaws? Of course he does or else he wouldn't be available. But if you can envision Simmons being a huge piece of the puzzle for Minnesota becoming a contender, then why exactly would you let draft capital restrict you? You cash that in and go for it. If you think Simmons won't move the needle for the Wolves, then by all means sit on your hands and roll with the current roster.

Cam, excuse me but were you out of the country last year with no access to NBA games?

D'Angelo Russell's best is an All-Star level -- or near All-Star for the sticklers out there. That singular year in Brooklyn far outshines anything that Andrew Wiggins has done to date. Perhaps we can revisit this conversation if Wiggins produces a season that yields a VORP of 1.0 or better, or a BPM that isn't negative. Otherwise, I don't care to have this conversation with you yet again.

I have read you have the same take on that trade literally 50 times. If you don't want to have the conversation, stop bringing it up.

You'll probably read it 50 more times -- at least. Also, I wasn't even responding to your comment. You inserted yourself here. I have no interest in having the conversation again with you. You're a fan of Andrew Wiggins. I'm a fan of D'Angelo Russell. We aren't going to change each other's minds or gain traction in understanding. Therefore, it's a waste of time. Keep it moving old man.

Really? Your true character always reveals itself.

[Lipoli390]

I'm sorry I don't quite understand. When Rosas left us with no picks this last draft we all bitched and moaned but now with this Simmons deal I see us again throwing all of our first round drafts at him? Don't we want to keep those first rounders instead? Just curious.

It's all situational. I was maybe the only one not bitching about being without draft picks this summer as a result of the D'Angelo Russell trade because I still think Russell at his best, which we haven't seen yet in Minnesota, is worth Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga -- an intriguing young player, but far from a blue-chipper. That trade will always make sense in my mind and I have no issues with Gersson Rosas pulling the trigger.

Trading multiple picks for Ben Simmons will similarly come down to how you feel about said player. Simmons just turned 25 and has an All-NBA bid and multiple All-Star nominations under his belt. He just finished runner-up in Defensive Player of the Year voting to Rudy Gobert when it seems apparent that Simmons could have and maybe should have won that award. He's listed at 6'11, 240-pounds -- though might be slightly smaller -- and has guard skills that no one else his size possesses. Does he come with flaws? Of course he does or else he wouldn't be available. But if you can envision Simmons being a huge piece of the puzzle for Minnesota becoming a contender, then why exactly would you let draft capital restrict you? You cash that in and go for it. If you think Simmons won't move the needle for the Wolves, then by all means sit on your hands and roll with the current roster.

Excellent analysis, Cam. I think you've broken it down well.

Here's the case for not giving up multiple first-round picks for Simmons:

First, I think this team can become a playoff team next season and a contender thereafter with the development of this current roster. Although I wasn't a fan of the DLO deal, I have no doubt he's a very talented and still young player who, like Simmons, has been an NBA all-star. I believe Edwards will develop into a star and that McDaniels will at least develop into an elite 3&D player with the potential to be an all-star caliber player. KAT is a star and Beasley is a bona fide three-point marksman who can also rebound, run the floor and finish above the rim. Then there are other talented young guys, Naz Reid, Vanderbilt, Nowell, and solid vets in Beverley and Prince. So I'd like to see how this roster performs over the course of the upcoming season after this off-season's roster improvements and with likely health improvements, a full training camp and a good head coach from the beginning. Therefore, I don't think the Wolves need to trade for Simmons to eventually become a contender.

Second, I'd like to have all of our future picks as assets for future use -- as picks to keep in a rebuild if things don't go well with the current roster or as trade assets to supplement the current roster if certain weaknesses are exposed. As you've noted, Morey might accept Beasley, Prince and a bevy of future picks from the Wolves to swap for a star like Beal or Lillard down the road. There's no reason the Wolves couldn't do the same - at least for a really good player if not a Beal or Lillard caliber player. If those assets are so valuable that he'd take them in exchange for Simmons based on what he could fetch for them later, then I'm inclined to want to keep those picks.

Having said all that, I'd be inclined to give up Beasley, Prince and a bunch of first-round picks for Simmons. I'd include Bolmaro too, but I would draw the line at giving up McDaniels.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Speaking of VORP... D'Angelo Russell has gone above +1.4 one time in 6 seasons... with +3.4 in 2019.

If he doesn't reach closer to that level this season... will we be at the point where 2019 can be chalked up as an outlier or anomaly?