Since the first rumors surfaced about the Timberwolves’ interest in Ben Simmons, not a few have talked about a possible trade of the Australian for D’Angelo Russell. However, this does not appear to be Minnesota’s intention. According to Jon Krawczynski, a journalist from The AthleticThe Minneapolis franchise has been fantasizing all summer about pairing both guards with Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, so they are reluctant to include the former Nets in their negotiations with Philadelphia.
This has become a common problem for the 76ers, who are finding that no franchise seems willing at the moment to include their stars in the trade. Recently, the Kings have made it clear that both De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton are out of the conversation, and now it’s the Wolves who don’t seem to have an interest in parting with great players for the Australian. This has put the Pennsylvanians on the ropes, then, with Simmons threatening not to show up at the training camp, right now they are far from in the dominant position of the negotiations.
Russell is a player who, according to rumors, doesn’t excite the 76ers, but he’s at least a man whose characteristics make him a more logical fit alongside Joel Embiid. This is what has led to his name appearing in numerous cabals, as even salaries add up and Krawczynski himself points out that Minnesota has been the team that has most actively persecuted Ben. However, for now his attempts have not satisfied Philadelphia’s claims, and Russell could be the key to unblocking the negotiations.
Recently, the Timberwolves have seized Patrick Beverley and Taurean Prince via trade, two players who could be valuable in making the move, but will not be able to trade them again until two months after their arrival. If the 76ers want Simmons out of the team before the game starts training camp, both men are also discarded, which greatly limits the possibilities of two franchises that seem willing to understand each other but do not have the necessary tools to do so.
(Cover photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
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