Rumor: Timberwolves Need Multiple First Round Picks To Enter Ben Simmons Sweepstakes

As the Ben Simmons rumors continue to percolate, the asking price remains steep. Specifically, it would cost the Minnesota Timberwolves "draft picks in addition to whatever players the Wolves are sending," according to Timberwolves journalist Dane Moore.

On his podcast, "The Dane Moore NBA Podcast," Moore stated that he spoke to two NBA executives. The first, who is an Eastern Conference GM, asserted that if Karl Anthony-Towns and Anthony Edwards are not included in the deal, then a minimum of two first-round picks would be required. The other executive corroborated the former's statement while adding that a "Simmons deal isn't cheap."

Due to Simmons earning All-NBA honors in 2019-2020, his max contract is worth 28% of a team's cap.

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

This news regarding the Timberwolves is in light of reports stating that up to 12 teams would make an offer for Simmons, should he be made available. The three-time All-Star is coming off a lackluster postseason run, one which accentuated his ineptitude outside the paint and saw him shoot a historically bad 34.2% from the free-throw line.

Other notable teams rumored to be in on the Simmons sweepstakes include the Trailblazers, Raptors and Pacers.

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