Ben Simmons‘ future with the Sixers remains up in the air and the Timberwolves are still seeking ways to acquire the former No. 1 overall pick, according to Jon Krawcynski of The Athletic.
The lack of win-now assets the Timberwolves have to offer is standing in the way, as a third team would almost certainly need to be involved to send the Sixers the win-now assets they’re seeking.
However, Patrick Beverley could be re-routed again in a potential deal, as his defensive presence and ability to hit threes could appeal to Philadelphia as they hope to get to the Finals next season. Beverley would just be part of any package header to Philadelphia, of course.
Simmons is seen as likely to remain with the Sixers beyond this offseason, as they hope Simmons can eventually be a headliner in a potential trade for Damian Lillard, our own Chris Crouse writes.
More NBA Rumors
- The Mavericks hope they can get Lauri Markkanen to eventually agree to sign under his market value so that he can fit into their $11 million trade exception, according to Tim Cato of The Athletic. Dallas would likely not have to give up a rotation player in that case. The Mavs could also offer Markkanen a three-year, $44 million deal, but they would likely have to trade Maxi Kleber back to the Bulls, as Chicago has some interest in him.
-
The Lakers recently worked out Isaiah Thomas, Darren Collison and Mike James, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. Thomas played just three games last season with the Pelicans. Collison hasn’t played since retiring after the 2018-19 season. James had a solid stretch late in the season with the Nets. No signing is said to be imminent.
- DeMar DeRozan said the Bulls’ sign-and-trade for Lonzo Ball gave him more incentive to join Chicago. “Once Lonzo signed, that made it even more appealing,” DeRozan said (via Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic). “You could see what they were working toward, and it was something I wanted to be a part of. It wasn’t too much of a pitch that they had to make after that.” The Bulls are hoping to make the postseason for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
Read More on the NBA
- Top 15 NBA Free Agents Remaining on the Market
- Kyle Lowry Turned Down More Lucrative Offers to Sign with Heat
- Sixers Believe Ben Simmons is Key to Damian Lillard Trade
