Then last week, KAT, or “someone else”, liked a Tweet with the hashtag, #FreeKAT, sending the fanbase into an emotional tailspin. So much so that Towns took to Twitter and claimed his account had been hacked and he had changed his password to stop it from happening again. Sure…

If the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to lose games, the rumors and whispers surrounding Towns are only going to get louder. With new owners entering the fray, is it possible that the Wolves organization decides they’re better off hitting the reset button now, than waiting for Karl’s reign to fall off the tracks completely. It’s becoming clear that building around him hasn’t worked and probably never will.

I worry that the Timberwolves have reached the point of no return on KAT & DLo — that they have experienced too much losing basketball to ever be the leaders of a high-level winning team

KAT & DLo’s teams are a combined 299-484 when they play, which = a 31-51 average over 82 gms pic.twitter.com/WHZci5iS6a

— Phil Mackey ???? (@PhilMackey) November 9, 2021

IF it’s time to move on…

Look, the Timberwolves aren’t moving Karl-Anthony Towns tomorrow. But their season is already 10% over and, if this is the “same old Wolves, it won’t take long for the higher-ups to see that hopes are dead. The trade deadline is still three months away (February 10). By then, we’ll know what Minnesota is capable of.

And sometime before then, the Ben Simmons’ rumor mill will turn up. If the Minnesota Timberwolves decide to move on from KAT, it’s unlikely they’ll get a better player in return than Ben Simmons. The Philadephia 76ers, however, employ Joel Embiid, who doesn’t have the greatest history with Towns. Because of that, it could take three teams to deal Karl for Ben.

Well, NBA Analysis Network came up with a solution that seems to suit all involved. The 3rd team is Golden State, who makes a lot of sense. But they wouldn’t be the only team interested in snagging KAT out of a three-team deal that lands Simmons to the Timberwolves.

The Ben Simmons drama in Philly has drug on for months and the Sixers desperately need a conclusion for their franchise to move forward. The Timberwolves are in year seven with Karl-Anthony Towns and are trending towards another disastrous season. The Golden State Warriors are 9-1 and have an open window to win another championship but they’re missing a front court piece to pair with Steph Curry and, eventually, Klay Thompson.

Who says no?

As of today, November 9, 2021, neither the Timberwolves or 76ers would seriously consider the trade package you see above. But if, as the trade deadline approaches, Minnesota is destined for the lottery again and Ben Simmons still needs a new home, a deal like what you see above could look much more realistic and make a lot of sense.

Right now, the Sixers asking price for Simmons is too high. And with all of the drama unfolding daily, he continues to lose value. Philadelphia GM, Daryl Morey, will eventually have to lower expectations on his Simmons return package as spring approaches.

Maybe the third team is Golden State, maybe it’s someone else. That’s not the point. We’ve seen Ben Simmons to Minnesota rumors or trade proposals for months. Until NBAAnalysis.net did it in this blog, Nobody has seriously considered Karl-Anthony Towns as part of the trade package the Wolves would ship out to land Simmons.

If the Minnesota Timberwolves decide to move on from KAT, they need to avoid the superstar trades of their past. They cannot let Karl go for Kevin Garnett or Jimmy Butler type compensation. Those two botched trades are exactly why the Wolves still sit in the bottom class of the NBA.

Too Early to Deal Towns?

Ben Simmons would be the ultimate haul for a team being forced to trade a superstar. Not very often can you trade one top-25 player for another and Glen Taylor knows that better than anyone. Say all you want about Ben Simmons’ deficiencies but he’s the same level of player.

Again, Towns isn’t getting traded tomorrow or even before the calendar turns over to 2022. The organization will let this play out for a couple more months, at least. But in year seven, if yet another season spirals out of control, I can promise the Timberwolves front office and new ownership will consider all options, including a blockbuster deal that sends Towns elsewhere.

That was familiar. The T-Wolves looked scared as the Grizzlies cut into that lead. They just don't really know how to win in those moments. Bottom line: If this continues and you can't find a way to fix it, then you have to get serious about Karl Anthony Towns' future. Trade him.

— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) November 9, 2021

Towns only has 2 years remaining on his contract, after 2021-22. If the Minnesota Timberwolves want top value for Kat’s services, they need to move him before this year’s trade deadline. KAT’s value will start declining by the offseason, just based on the term he has remaining.

If the 2021-22 season continues down a path of disappointment, trade consideration wouldn’t just be reasonable, but necessary. And if the Wolves front office decides to move on from Towns, it’s difficult to imagine a better piece in return than a package including Ben Simmons. If that means dealing a litter earlier than others are willing, so be it.

Cooper Carlson | Minnesota Sports Fan

But like every other team that’s shown interest in Simmons, Minnesota hasn’t been able to meet the Sixers’ asking price. Philly wants a star in return. They want compensation that’ll help them win now, not later. When negotiating with the Wolves, that means discussing pieces like Anthony Edwards or Karl-Anthony Towns. At the very least, D’Angelo Russell.

The Timberwolves have declined to talk seriously, and rightfully so, if it means involving one of their young stars. With that impasse, conversations went quiet. Trade rumors got especially mute last week when Ben Simmons unexpectedly reported for Sixers camp.

Simmons returns to Sixers practice… momentarily

Simmons passed COVID protocols and joined his Philadelphia teammates for practice the last few days. Head coach, Doc Rivers and teammates quickly realized that Ben wasn’t fully present. In fact, he was so disengaged that, after refusing to participate in a defensive drill, he was kicked out of practice, suspended for one game and fined $1.4 million by the team.

It was a pretty good start to the year.

“I didn’t think he wanted to do what everyone else was doing,” coach Doc Rivers told reporters after the team announced Simmons’ suspension.

Sources tell The Athletic that Rivers asked Simmons to join a defensive drill at practice and the point guard refused. Rivers asked again and Simmons said no again. Rivers then told Simmons he should go home, and the 25-year-old dropped the ball and left, according to sources.

Shams – The Athletic

Embiid piles on

The disgust for Simmons’ behavior from Tuesday’s practice didn’t end with the Philadelphia 76ers’ head coach. Joel Embiid had to share his two-cents on the dysfunction and he, per usual, didn’t hold back. If one thing became clear today, it’s that this situation is untenable.

As Minnesota Timberwolves fans, we know all too well how this story ends.

"At this point I don't care about that man." ???????????? pic.twitter.com/telIeAGsyi

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) October 19, 2021

“Our job is not to babysit somebody.”

pic.twitter.com/XNQ3RVaD8t

— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) October 19, 2021

Joel Embiid has to know that he’s not helping the 76ers in their quest to maximize Ben Simmons’ trade value. If so, he obviously doesn’t care. If this is how Embiid and his teammates feel, how can Sixers GM Daryl Morey possibly hang onto him?

Optimal outcome for Minnesota

Ben Simmons’ trade value took a hit today. That’s a fact. He’s cheaper right now than he has been throughout this entire process. Simmons clearly isn’t interested in playing basketball for the Sixers, even if forced to take the floor. His Philadelphia teammates are, understandably, fed up.

It’s a scene that’s very reminiscent of what the Timberwolves had to go through with Jimmy Butler years ago. Like Jimmy, Ben showed up to camp and immediately caused chaos that’s unlikely to be resolved until he’s traded.

GM, Daryl Morey can lie to Woj all he wants. I’d expect nothing less.

Sixers' approach on a trade has remained steadfast: They won't move Simmons for role players — only a player who'll help keep them a championship contender. That hasn't changed. For now, no one should expect a speedy resolution on Simmons' future in Philadelphia. https://t.co/YUdkseUZOo

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 19, 2021

The Sixers are trying to grasp at any leverage they might still hold. But reality says they’ll have to deal Ben Simmons at a discount now.

For a Wolves team that has likely been offering Malik Beasley, Jaden McDaniels, and a couple first round picks, that’s great news. You can bet Sachin Gupta and Minnesota Timberwolves’ new ownership wants to land Ben Simmons and might even be on the phone with Philly reps right now. We’ll see if they’re the highest bidders now that the price has dropped.

Cooper Carlson | Minnesota Sports Fan

All dead… right?

Not necessarily. Simmons could arrive at Sixers camp in the coming days and go James Harden (or worse: Jimmy Butler) on the situation, essentially forcing his way out by constantly stirring up drama that his teammates and coaching staff have to answer regular questions about.

My reaction to Ben Simmons arriving at @sixers headquarters! pic.twitter.com/2bD4csFsfo

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) October 12, 2021

But with less than a week until the Wolves open their 82-game regular season schedule at Target Center vs the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, hope of an imminent trade that lands Ben Simmons in Minnesota is seemingly dead. Philly GM, Daryl Morey, could still seek a trade partner for Simmons but nobody knows what’s going to happen anymore. While the Philly fans remain in limbo, it’s time for Wolves fans to move on.

The Timberwolves can make playoffs without Simmons

The Minnesota Timberwolves have looked incredibly competent during this 2021 preseason. League-wide, they’ve been one of the more fun teams to watch and are exceeding all expectations of anyone paying attention this early. Of course, we’ve all heard this story with the local pro basketball team before, but this team truly feels much different.

The core four of Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels is leading a team that might not need Ben Simmons to be successful. As mentioned, expectations for this young Wolves team are low. Their over/under for wins in most sportsbooks is 35 or less.

Minnesota has a talented roster that understands the low expectations from others around the NBA. Instead of succumbing to the negativity, though, they appear to be embracing it. Young cornerstone pieces like Karl Towns and D’Angelo Russell have seen their reputations take hits the last couple seasons and appear ready to shake nagging narratives. To do that, they need to make the playoffs.

Both guys have been dominant all preseason long. They appear locked in from opening tip, which has caught unsuspecting opposing starters off-guard.

Will the Wolves have another perfect first defensive possession tonight?
– Ant aware on the ball(!), hands without fouling, navigates over screen
– KAT plays at level, doesn’t over-pursue first screen
– DLo nail help + navigates screen
– Okogie calls low man, executes it perfect pic.twitter.com/i1qpftdUO6

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) October 9, 2021

Trading for Simmons would crush the Timberwolves’ depth

It’s been a long time since the Timberwolves have had a lineup with this many legitimate NBA players. Once the regular season begins they’re going to have a hard time finding minutes for guys like Jake Layman, Jaylen Nowell and Leandro Bolmaro.

I know, I know… writing about an embarrassment of riches when referencing the Minnesota Timberwolves seems foolish on its face. But look for yourself. In years past, the players mentioned above were all but guaranteed regular minutes.

After watching the first three preseason games, I think head coach Chris Finch deploys an 11-man rotation. That’s right, E-L-E-V-E-N. Put your fingers down. You don’t have enough of them.

No Simmons No Problem

If the Wolves were to trade for Ben Simmons it would likely cost three of Russell, McDaniels, Beasley, Beverley, Prince, plus another depth piece and multiple first-round draft picks, not to mention the earthquake it would throw into a locker room that seems more focused than ever.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a good spot right now. They have an open window with more talent and determination than we’ve seen since Butler left town. While the Ben Simmons dream might be dead, their playoff dreams are not. Especially with the new play-in tournament, the Wolves should absolutely compete for a ticket to the postseason this winter.

Cooper Carlson | Minnesota Sports Fan

Alright Minnesota Timberwolves fans. We need to sit down and chat some things out. I know we’re desperate to see our favorite NBA franchise climb its way back into a playoff conversation. Hopes are as high as they’ve been in this basketball town since the Jimmy Butler era was still on the upswing and everyone who’s still paying attention wants to start seeing their time, money and decade+ of disappointment finally payoff.

But trading away everything you’ve built for a proven NBA star isn’t always the best way out of a hole and that’s a road we’ve already traveled, as Wolves fans. Yes this is a much different situation than what we encountered with Jimmy Butler, but let’s be honest, that’s not the only transaction that’s gone sideways for this franchise.

But on Sunday, SKOR North and Ch. 5 insider, Darren Wolfson, reported the Wolves as very interested in Ben Simmons, which would certainly stand as the next franchise altering move to reshape this organization. How much does Gersson Rosas want Simmons? “Badly”, according to the source who texted Wolfson.

Remember, Simmons is available because he’s being driven out of Philadelphia by a fanbase (and some inside the organization) that’s sick of watching him melt down in the playoffs.

How badly do the #Timberwolves want to trade for Ben Simmons?

“Badly” pic.twitter.com/owYhhydPMQ

— SKOR North (@SKORNorth) June 27, 2021

Ben Simmons in the playoffs

How bad is Ben Simmons in the playoffs? Well, he’s a primary ball handler who can’t shoot. That includes free throws. Simmons was so afraid of throwing the ball toward the rim by the end of the 2021 playoffs that he hoisted just 45 total shots in 7 games, before being eliminated by Atlanta. That’s less than 6.5 attempts per game. For context, Damian Lillard shot 134 times in 6 games (or 22.3 times per game) before being bounced by Denver.

It gets worse. Damian Lillard, who’s admittedly the polar opposite of Simmons when talking shooting acumen, had an average shooting distance during this playoffs of 19.4 feet from the basket, a career high. Ben Simmons’ was 2.6 feet, a career low. I mentioned free throws earlier. If you can’t shoot the ball from the outside but you can get to the rim like Ben can, you’d better be able to make free throws. Simmons shot 45 free throws in 7 games vs the Hawks, which matched the number of field goals he attempted. He made just 15 of them (33.3%). Maybe that’s why he likes to shoot from 3 feet and in.

A lot of Ben Simmons’ playoff woes have built up in his head over time. In the first playoff series of his career (2018 vs Miami), Simmons shot 66 times in 5 games. That, to this day, stands as his career high for any playoff series. He’s played in two series that have gone to 7 games. Ben also shot 71% from the free throw line in his first ever playoff series back in 2018 vs Miami.

Here are his year-over-year playoff shooting stats. If you get nauseous easily, think about skipping this part.

Other red flags

But, those “in the know” with Jimmy Butler (like Chicago sportswriter Joe Cowley) tell a Ben Simmons’ story that goes much deeper than any physical or mental playoff block. Both Butler and Joel Embiid grew frustrated with Simmons’ refusal to improve his shooting and work on his game like they felt he needed to, according to an interview that Cowley did with KFAN yesterday.

There’s a reason why Butler beefed with both KAT and Simmons while playing with them. He thought they were soft and lacked the drive it took to win championships. Should the Wolves build their team based on the thoughts of Jimmy Butler? No, but do we really want to put both dudes on the same team?

Elite everywhere else

Simmons’ struggles in the playoffs all come back to his poor shooting ability. When he’s playing in the regular season, teams aren’t game-planning for him like they do in the playoffs. Getting to the rim is easier. He gets fouled less often and the pressure is mostly off. That allows the rest of his game flourish.

Ben does everything else at an elite level. He’s like Ricky Rubio on steroids and he’s one of the best and most versatile defenders in the NBA. At 6-11, he’s able to shut down a very large percentage of NBA offensive talent, especially all of the wing players who give other defenses headaches across the league.

Just look at the individual hardware Ben Simmons holds. He’s is a 3x All-Star, 2x All-Defensive Team and he was named All-NBA in 2019-20. Ben has more individual accolades than everyone on the Wolves combined.

Getting LSU Alum on the right team, where he doesn’t have to be a primary scorer, could be a franchise-changing move. And we all know how desperately the Minnesota Timberwolves need everything else Simmons does so well, especially the defense.

So, what’s the price?

At the end of the day, there’s not a basketball fan on the universe who doesn’t think Ben Simmons could help the Wolves climb out of their (pretty much) 15-year playoff drought. He’s a walking triple-double who would immediately improve this team in every aspect they crave.

But, then you see the price tag and want to turn around and walk right out of the store.

I’ve heard it would take multiple first round picks for the Timberwolves to even get into the conversation when it comes to a Ben Simmons trade negotiation. pic.twitter.com/x8fbKPRo7q

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) June 25, 2021

RECKLESS SPECULATION: D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley for Ben Simmons? ESPN’s Zach Lowe makes the case. #Timberwolves #76ers pic.twitter.com/6ftCBVGsis

— SKOR North (@SKORNorth) June 22, 2021

What would be the starting point in a Ben Simmons-#Timberwolves trade? ????@DWolfsonKSTP has your scoop! pic.twitter.com/WJea1H6fqs

— SKOR North (@SKORNorth) June 25, 2021

If the Wolves refuse to give up Ant or KAT, which everyone is assuming, then they’ll need at least three of four out of [D-Lo, Beasley and TWO 1st-round picks]. So, Gersson Rosas could save a 1st-rounder (or two) if he sends both Beasley and D-Lo out to the right team. But, if they insist on keeping D’Angelo Russell in a Minnesota uniform, then they have to be willing to lose AT LEAST two 1st-rounders in the deal (probably three).

Does Rosas prefer to trade all of his current shooting for Ben Simmons or all of his future draft picks? He’d have to deal one or the other.

Is it worth it?

Getting back to the playoffs would be great and Ben Simmons would make this team a legitimate 5-8 seed in the West. With the play-in tournament expected to come back for 2022, the Minnesota Timberwolves would be a bona fide playoff team following a trade for Simmons.

But, unless Ant becomes the next NBA great (which is certainly possible), the Wolves aren’t going very far with Ben Simmons and Karl-Anthony Towns as their main offensive pieces. I worry about KAT in the playoffs because of how fast teams play and I’ve now spent most of my day researching Ben Simmons’ obvious flaws.

Giving up Russell and Beasley for Simmons would be putting a limit on this team’s future and way too much pressure on Anthony Edwards becoming a top-10 NBA player. If the end-goal is the playoffs then dealing for Ben Simmons will check that box. If the goal is to become a real contender in the West, then Rosas will wait patiently for something better.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan