Ben Simmons Rumours: Timberwolves Have Best Odds To Land Troubled NBA Star in Summer

Brooklyn Nets point guard Ben Simmons has had his share of troubles over the past few days. In a regular season dominated by athletes with impressive offensive prowess, the player has only managed to average a score of 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. Having only played 15 games, he has chosen to opt out for the remainder of the season to treat the nerve impingement in his lower back. Many now wonder whether the Nets will choose to trade off Simmons.

With that, a few teams have come out as the favorites who would consider taking the 27-year-old under their wing. One of them is the 2004 Division title holder Minnesota Timberwolves. According to the online gambling site Bovada, the Timberwolves have a reported odds of +225 to acquire the player. The other teams on the list include the Golden State Warriors (250+), the Toronto Raptors (+275), the Sacramento Kings (+400) and the San Antonio Spurs (+500).

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The Brooklyn Nets acquired Simmons and two other players back in 2022 in exchange for 10x NBA All-Star James Harden and Paul Millsap. With the trade, the team might have hoped to exchange an aging point guard for someone who is still in his prime. However, Simmons is reportedly not as good as he was during his initial seasons, which the Nets found out the hard way during the previous and the ongoing NBA season.

With the Brooklyn Nets choose to buy out Kevin Simmons?

While the Nets can choose to trade Kevin Simmons off in exchange for a better player, another option that is present for them to be considered is to just buy out the player. The next season will be the Australian’s last one with his existing $177 million contract that he had initially signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. With the player set to make $40.3 million in the next season, the Nets will have to pay at least 75% of the same to get rid of him.

While the buyout amount is lesser than what the team will have to pay Simmons in terms of salary, it is still an option that may not gain traction anytime soon. One reason is that the Nets are allegedly spread out thin and cannot afford to lose any more money. Furthermore, in order for a buyout to take place, both parties will have to provide their consent. Given that it would be much harder for Simmons to appeal to another NBA franchise after taking the money and walking away, the option would probably be a last resort for him to consider.

What are your thoughts on Ben Simmons possibly joining the Minnesota Timberwolves? Let us know in the comments down below.