Ben Simmons Thread #2 (“Don’t make me contact Howard” Edition)

[Macwolf527]

I do wonder what Russell means to Gupta in relation to Rosas. Obviously, Rosas traded for Russell and considers Russell a core piece. In recent reporting, it sounds like Gupta thought Rosas overpaid for Russell. Gupta might not value Russell as much as Rosas did. I wonder if Gupta would be a lot more likely to include Russell in a Simmons trade than Rosas would.

I think moving Russell is the only way for the Wolves to get the conversation started with the Sixers. Philly absolutely needs a PG to come back in the trade. However moving Russell, could become a precursor to moving Towns in the future also unless you make a playoff run. Winning may be the only way to keep Towns happy in MN if we trade his friend.

[jscott]

I do wonder what Russell means to Gupta in relation to Rosas. Obviously, Rosas traded for Russell and considers Russell a core piece. In recent reporting, it sounds like Gupta thought Rosas overpaid for Russell. Gupta might not value Russell as much as Rosas did. I wonder if Gupta would be a lot more likely to include Russell in a Simmons trade than Rosas would.

I think moving Russell is the only way for the Wolves to get the conversation started with the Sixers. Philly absolutely needs a PG to come back in the trade. However moving Russell, could become a precursor to moving Towns in the future also unless you make a playoff run. Winning may be the only way to keep Towns happy in MN if we trade his friend.

KAT and Simmons are close too. I don’t think that would change his opinion much tbh.

100% agree with you that winning is important and frankly I don’t know which pair gives you a better chance at that.

[shrink]

I have a post breaking down Sam Amico somewhere on the forum, but for reference, he is the guy that said Minnesota would trade Kevin Love for Dion Waiters. I sincerely hope he is right, though, it would be cool to be done with this.

Years ago, before most people knew the CBA, I would occasionally email sportswriters when they would write something happened that was illegal. It was fairly common back then - most sportswriters had to be generalists who knew every sport, so it wasn’t surprising they wouldn’t know all the CBA rules in every single sport.

Anyway, I got four types of responses. Some sent me a thank you email, and did a little digging to get their story right. Some just changed their story. Some didn’t change their story.

Sam Amico was the only one who ever took the time to send an email back to me, berating me.

—-

The funniest one was with our beloved Wolfies. One of the reporters posted what free agent Andre Kirilenko’s new contract would be. I added up the contracts (signed and reported), and knew we didn’t quite have enough cap space. The reporter swore that was the number. He was right - our beloved David Kahn had added our cap space incorrectly when he sent it to the NBA head office (who rejected it, of course)!

[kuclas]

I do wonder what Russell means to Gupta in relation to Rosas. Obviously, Rosas traded for Russell and considers Russell a core piece. In recent reporting, it sounds like Gupta thought Rosas overpaid for Russell. Gupta might not value Russell as much as Rosas did. I wonder if Gupta would be a lot more likely to include Russell in a Simmons trade than Rosas would.

I think moving Russell is the only way for the Wolves to get the conversation started with the Sixers. Philly absolutely needs a PG to come back in the trade. However moving Russell, could become a precursor to moving Towns in the future also unless you make a playoff run. Winning may be the only way to keep Towns happy in MN if we trade his friend.

I’m sorry if Timberwolves fans think Sixers actually wanted Russell. Russell has never been wanted in any trade involving Simmons. That’s why Minnesota had to pivot to other pieces such as Beasley and picks.

If they wanted Russell. The trade would have been done much sooner cause of the matching salaries

The passage of times makes people forget a lot of the things. But Russell was completely exposed during nets Sixers playoff series in 2019. He is what he is. A volume shooter who can be shut down but elite defender. Which is what happened in 2019.

That’s what playoff basketball does to players. It exposes players. Ben Simmons got exposed and got mental breakdown.

Russell had horrible series in 2019. Sixers organization doesn’t forget that.

[shrink]

I do wonder what Russell means to Gupta in relation to Rosas. Obviously, Rosas traded for Russell and considers Russell a core piece. In recent reporting, it sounds like Gupta thought Rosas overpaid for Russell. Gupta might not value Russell as much as Rosas did. I wonder if Gupta would be a lot more likely to include Russell in a Simmons trade than Rosas would.

I think moving Russell is the only way for the Wolves to get the conversation started with the Sixers. Philly absolutely needs a PG to come back in the trade. However moving Russell, could become a precursor to moving Towns in the future also unless you make a playoff run. Winning may be the only way to keep Towns happy in MN if we trade his friend.

I’m sorry if Timberwolves fans think Sixers actually wanted Russell. Russell has never been wanted in any trade involving Simmons. That’s why Minnesota had to pivot to other pieces such as Beasley and picks.

If they wanted Russell. The trade would have been done much sooner cause of the matching salaries

The passage of times makes people forget a lot of the things. But Russell was completely exposed during nets Sixers playoff series in 2019. He is what he is. A volume shooter who can be shut down but elite defender. Which is what happened in 2019.

That’s what playoff basketball does to players. It exposes players. Ben Simmons got exposed and got mental breakdown.

Russell had horrible series in 2019. Sixers organization doesn’t forget that.

Do you have any documentation that Morey ties Russell’s 2021 value to the five playoff games in 2019, when he was the GM of the Rockets, or is this just how you feel?

Also curious if you are going to a lot of other team’s boards to trash their players, or is it just us? This is apparently your fourth post in our new Simmons thread.

[D1SGRUNTL3D]

I wouldn’t want DLO as one of my first 2 options but he’s a hell of a third after ant and kat.

[Domejandro]

I have a post breaking down Sam Amico somewhere on the forum, but for reference, he is the guy that said Minnesota would trade Kevin Love for Dion Waiters. I sincerely hope he is right, though, it would be cool to be done with this.

Years ago, before most people knew the CBA, I would occasionally email sportswriters when they would write something happened that was illegal. It was fairly common back then - most sportswriters had to be generalists who knew every sport, so it wasn’t surprising they wouldn’t know all the CBA rules in every single sport.

Anyway, I got four types of responses. Some sent me a thank you email, and did a little digging to get their story right. Some just changed their story. Some didn’t change their story.

Sam Amico was the only one who ever took the time to send an email back to me, berating me.

—-

The funniest one was with our beloved Wolfies. One of the reporters posted what free agent Andre Kirilenko’s new contract would be. I added up the contracts (signed and reported), and knew we didn’t quite have enough cap space. The reporter swore that was the number. He was right - our beloved David Kahn had added our cap space incorrectly when he sent it to the NBA head office (who rejected it, of course)!

"I think you guys are reporting this wrong."

"No, your GM is actually that stupid."

[Macwolf527]

I do wonder what Russell means to Gupta in relation to Rosas. Obviously, Rosas traded for Russell and considers Russell a core piece. In recent reporting, it sounds like Gupta thought Rosas overpaid for Russell. Gupta might not value Russell as much as Rosas did. I wonder if Gupta would be a lot more likely to include Russell in a Simmons trade than Rosas would.

I think moving Russell is the only way for the Wolves to get the conversation started with the Sixers. Philly absolutely needs a PG to come back in the trade. However moving Russell, could become a precursor to moving Towns in the future also unless you make a playoff run. Winning may be the only way to keep Towns happy in MN if we trade his friend.

I’m sorry if Timberwolves fans think Sixers actually wanted Russell. Russell has never been wanted in any trade involving Simmons. That’s why Minnesota had to pivot to other pieces such as Beasley and picks.

If they wanted Russell. The trade would have been done much sooner cause of the matching salaries

The passage of times makes people forget a lot of the things. But Russell was completely exposed during nets Sixers playoff series in 2019. He is what he is. A volume shooter who can be shut down but elite defender. Which is what happened in 2019.

That’s what playoff basketball does to players. It exposes players. Ben Simmons got exposed and got mental breakdown.

Russell had horrible series in 2019. Sixers organization doesn’t forget that.

It depends on what you put around Russell defensively. I would not have him guard the point of attack, but he has the length to guard wings if he bulks up a bit, which he has done this off-season. He can handle the bulk because his game is not based on verticality. Unfortunately I think McDaniels is going to be included with Russell in a trade with the Wolves to compensate for what the Sixers lose defensively with moving Simmons. I personally would not do this trade if I’m the Wolves because I feel like they’ll have to include a pick too. I’m not sure Simmons is worth that package unless he gets over his fear of shooting.

[gandlogo]

That’s what playoff basketball does to players. It exposes players. Ben Simmons got exposed and got mental breakdown.

The entire NBA doesn't forget that.

[kuclas]

I think moving Russell is the only way for the Wolves to get the conversation started with the Sixers. Philly absolutely needs a PG to come back in the trade. However moving Russell, could become a precursor to moving Towns in the future also unless you make a playoff run. Winning may be the only way to keep Towns happy in MN if we trade his friend.

I’m sorry if Timberwolves fans think Sixers actually wanted Russell. Russell has never been wanted in any trade involving Simmons. That’s why Minnesota had to pivot to other pieces such as Beasley and picks.

If they wanted Russell. The trade would have been done much sooner cause of the matching salaries

The passage of times makes people forget a lot of the things. But Russell was completely exposed during nets Sixers playoff series in 2019. He is what he is. A volume shooter who can be shut down but elite defender. Which is what happened in 2019.

That’s what playoff basketball does to players. It exposes players. Ben Simmons got exposed and got mental breakdown.

Russell had horrible series in 2019. Sixers organization doesn’t forget that.

It depends on what you put around Russell defensively. I would not have him guard the point of attack, but he has the length to guard wings if he bulks up a bit, which he has done this off-season. He can handle the bulk because his game is not based on verticality. Unfortunately I think McDaniels is going to be included with Russell in a trade with the Wolves to compensate for what the Sixers lose defensively with moving Simmons. I personally would not do this trade if I’m the Wolves because I feel like they’ll have to include a pick too. I’m not sure Simmons is worth that package unless he gets over his fear of shooting.

How many times do I have to say it. Sixers do not want Russell. They have never wanted him. That’s why no media leaks with DLo. I don’t know what world Timberwolves fans are thinking there has ever been any Russell in trade discussions. Only reason for taking on Russell is salary but Sixers do not want Russell as the main piece. It’s like
The golden state trying to offer Andrew Wiggins. Sixers don’t want him either as the main piece.

[kuclas]

I think moving Russell is the only way for the Wolves to get the conversation started with the Sixers. Philly absolutely needs a PG to come back in the trade. However moving Russell, could become a precursor to moving Towns in the future also unless you make a playoff run. Winning may be the only way to keep Towns happy in MN if we trade his friend.

I’m sorry if Timberwolves fans think Sixers actually wanted Russell. Russell has never been wanted in any trade involving Simmons. That’s why Minnesota had to pivot to other pieces such as Beasley and picks.

If they wanted Russell. The trade would have been done much sooner cause of the matching salaries

The passage of times makes people forget a lot of the things. But Russell was completely exposed during nets Sixers playoff series in 2019. He is what he is. A volume shooter who can be shut down but elite defender. Which is what happened in 2019.

That’s what playoff basketball does to players. It exposes players. Ben Simmons got exposed and got mental breakdown.

Russell had horrible series in 2019. Sixers organization doesn’t forget that.

Do you have any documentation that Morey ties Russell’s 2021 value to the five playoff games in 2019, when he was the GM of the Rockets, or is this just how you feel?

Also curious if you are going to a lot of other team’s boards to trash their players, or is it just us? This is apparently your fourth post in our new Simmons thread.

No. I’m just explaining the reason for not wanting Russell. We all know how Russell plays. He can be easily stopped as the Sixers did when he was with the nets.

Sexton is a player I’ll rather have as a package to play point guard for sixers over Russell. Sexton doesn’t play much defense either but he’s at least a better shooter.

The Sixers need an iso shooter who can break down defense.

If the choice came down to Russell as the main package or CJ McCollum. CJ plus roco would be the better answer for the Sixers. And that offer will
Always be on the table from Portland.

[D1SGRUNTL3D]

I don’t think Ben necessarily moves Portland in any direction. Especially if dame gets hurt.


Minnesotas the best option for ben. Period. He’s a fourth option on offense where he’d probably be second in Portland. Unfortunately we probably present the weakest offer unless it’s loaded with swaps and unprotected which would be dumb.

Does Portland wanna tie up 80/M in salary for the next 4 years on 2 guys that likely aren’t going to get you anywhere further than you’ve been…which isn’t past the first round besides the one time they beat OKC on the 40 foot shot.

I’m not exactly beaming with hope of having a 37,000,000 liability on the court in must win games

[Domejandro]

I’m sorry if Timberwolves fans think Sixers actually wanted Russell. Russell has never been wanted in any trade involving Simmons. That’s why Minnesota had to pivot to other pieces such as Beasley and picks.

If they wanted Russell. The trade would have been done much sooner cause of the matching salaries

The passage of times makes people forget a lot of the things. But Russell was completely exposed during nets Sixers playoff series in 2019. He is what he is. A volume shooter who can be shut down but elite defender. Which is what happened in 2019.

That’s what playoff basketball does to players. It exposes players. Ben Simmons got exposed and got mental breakdown.

Russell had horrible series in 2019. Sixers organization doesn’t forget that.

Do you have any documentation that Morey ties Russell’s 2021 value to the five playoff games in 2019, when he was the GM of the Rockets, or is this just how you feel?

Also curious if you are going to a lot of other team’s boards to trash their players, or is it just us? This is apparently your fourth post in our new Simmons thread.

No. I’m just explaining the reason for not wanting Russell. We all know how Russell plays. He can be easily stopped as the Sixers did when he was with the nets.

Sexton is a player I’ll rather have as a package to play point guard for sixers over Russell. Sexton doesn’t play much defense either but he’s at least a better shooter.

The Sixers need an iso shooter who can break down defense.

If the choice came down to Russell as the main package or CJ McCollum. CJ plus roco would be the better answer for the Sixers. And that offer will
Always be on the table from Portland.

I am substantially less convinced that CJ McCollum + Robert Covington for Ben Simmons + filler is on the table than you are.

[SO_MONEY]

I don’t think Ben necessarily moves Portland in any direction. Especially if dame gets hurt.


Minnesotas the best option for ben. Period. He’s a fourth option on offense where he’d probably be second in Portland. Unfortunately we probably present the weakest offer unless it’s loaded with swaps and unprotected which would be dumb.

Does Portland wanna tie up 80/M in salary for the next 4 years on 2 guys that likely aren’t going to get you anywhere further than you’ve been…which isn’t past the first round besides the one time they beat OKC on the 40 foot shot.

I’m not exactly beaming with hope of having a 37,000,000 liability on the court in must win games

I don't really think POR wants Simmons, I don't think many teams really want Simmons, or to use cap on him. I don't think the offers are that high because of this. Philly is in a hard spot. It is why they are trying to bring him back into the fold. At some point a choice will have to be made to trade him for a reduced return or hope by holding him more damage isn't done and the market changes. That is pretty much where it is.

[shrink]

I’m sorry if Timberwolves fans think Sixers actually wanted Russell. Russell has never been wanted in any trade involving Simmons. That’s why Minnesota had to pivot to other pieces such as Beasley and picks.

If they wanted Russell. The trade would have been done much sooner cause of the matching salaries

The passage of times makes people forget a lot of the things. But Russell was completely exposed during nets Sixers playoff series in 2019. He is what he is. A volume shooter who can be shut down but elite defender. Which is what happened in 2019.

That’s what playoff basketball does to players. It exposes players. Ben Simmons got exposed and got mental breakdown.

Russell had horrible series in 2019. Sixers organization doesn’t forget that.

Do you have any documentation that Morey ties Russell’s 2021 value to the five playoff games in 2019, when he was the GM of the Rockets, or is this just how you feel?

No. I’m just explaining the reason for not wanting Russell.

WHO’S reason?

Do you have any evidence this isn’t just your reason, while you claim this is the Sixers organization’s reason? Again, Morey wasn’t even with the Sixers for those five games in 2019.

Every paragraph seems like you are throwing crap. I understand Morey didn’t want Russell early, but I haven’t heard anything since Option 1 (Lillard and Beal aren’t coming) and Option 2 (get Simmons to play) spectacularly failed. Media Day is Monday. I never heard MIN had to “pivot,” in fact, reports were that it was Rosas who was reluctant to offer Russell because he wanted to pair Russell and Simmons. Moreover, I’m no Russell fan, but stopping (an inefficient 20 ppg) any single player for five games on the 35-37 banged up 2019 Nets isn’t some huge mar on DLo. Here’s a larger sample size.

Read on Twitter

If you have actual information and can present it politely as a guest, I would be happy to see you continue to post. If you come here to knock other players, and mislead readers with claims that your homer opinions represent what the actual Sixers organization is thinking, don’t bother.

[Slim Tubby]

I do wonder what Russell means to Gupta in relation to Rosas. Obviously, Rosas traded for Russell and considers Russell a core piece. In recent reporting, it sounds like Gupta thought Rosas overpaid for Russell. Gupta might not value Russell as much as Rosas did. I wonder if Gupta would be a lot more likely to include Russell in a Simmons trade than Rosas would.

I think moving Russell is the only way for the Wolves to get the conversation started with the Sixers. Philly absolutely needs a PG to come back in the trade. However moving Russell, could become a precursor to moving Towns in the future also unless you make a playoff run. Winning may be the only way to keep Towns happy in MN if we trade his friend.

I’m sorry if Timberwolves fans think Sixers actually wanted Russell. Russell has never been wanted in any trade involving Simmons. That’s why Minnesota had to pivot to other pieces such as Beasley and picks.

If they wanted Russell. The trade would have been done much sooner cause of the matching salaries

The passage of times makes people forget a lot of the things. But Russell was completely exposed during nets Sixers playoff series in 2019. He is what he is. A volume shooter who can be shut down but elite defender. Which is what happened in 2019.

That’s what playoff basketball does to players. It exposes players. Ben Simmons got exposed and got mental breakdown.

Russell had horrible series in 2019. Sixers organization doesn’t forget that.

Knock off the personal insults! How many warnings need to be posted? -Calinks

[SO_MONEY]

I think moving Russell is the only way for the Wolves to get the conversation started with the Sixers. Philly absolutely needs a PG to come back in the trade. However moving Russell, could become a precursor to moving Towns in the future also unless you make a playoff run. Winning may be the only way to keep Towns happy in MN if we trade his friend.

I’m sorry if Timberwolves fans think Sixers actually wanted Russell. Russell has never been wanted in any trade involving Simmons. That’s why Minnesota had to pivot to other pieces such as Beasley and picks.

If they wanted Russell. The trade would have been done much sooner cause of the matching salaries

The passage of times makes people forget a lot of the things. But Russell was completely exposed during nets Sixers playoff series in 2019. He is what he is. A volume shooter who can be shut down but elite defender. Which is what happened in 2019.

That’s what playoff basketball does to players. It exposes players. Ben Simmons got exposed and got mental breakdown.

Russell had horrible series in 2019. Sixers organization doesn’t forget that.

Based on your grammar, I highly doubt you're actually capable of having an intelligent thought, let alone have any clue what Morey is thinking. Go back to your own board where you can dream of a positive return for Simmons collectively as a group.

I would bet English isn't their first language and based on some of the verbiage; probably someone with a decent level of intellect.

But if I am wrong...oooops.

[NebWolvesFan]

I do wonder what Russell means to Gupta in relation to Rosas. Obviously, Rosas traded for Russell and considers Russell a core piece. In recent reporting, it sounds like Gupta thought Rosas overpaid for Russell. Gupta might not value Russell as much as Rosas did. I wonder if Gupta would be a lot more likely to include Russell in a Simmons trade than Rosas would.

I think moving Russell is the only way for the Wolves to get the conversation started with the Sixers. Philly absolutely needs a PG to come back in the trade. However moving Russell, could become a precursor to moving Towns in the future also unless you make a playoff run. Winning may be the only way to keep Towns happy in MN if we trade his friend.

I’m sorry if Timberwolves fans think Sixers actually wanted Russell. Russell has never been wanted in any trade involving Simmons. That’s why Minnesota had to pivot to other pieces such as Beasley and picks.

If they wanted Russell. The trade would have been done much sooner cause of the matching salaries

The passage of times makes people forget a lot of the things. But Russell was completely exposed during nets Sixers playoff series in 2019. He is what he is. A volume shooter who can be shut down but elite defender. Which is what happened in 2019.

That’s what playoff basketball does to players. It exposes players. Ben Simmons got exposed and got mental breakdown.

Russell had horrible series in 2019. Sixers organization doesn’t forget that.

Man, if I had a dollar for every Warriors fan that said Golden State wants nothing to do with Wiggins and his horrible contract. The Warriors would never trade Russell for Wiggins - stop bringing it up - GS fans would say over and over.

[Note30]

I think moving Russell is the only way for the Wolves to get the conversation started with the Sixers. Philly absolutely needs a PG to come back in the trade. However moving Russell, could become a precursor to moving Towns in the future also unless you make a playoff run. Winning may be the only way to keep Towns happy in MN if we trade his friend.

I’m sorry if Timberwolves fans think Sixers actually wanted Russell. Russell has never been wanted in any trade involving Simmons. That’s why Minnesota had to pivot to other pieces such as Beasley and picks.

If they wanted Russell. The trade would have been done much sooner cause of the matching salaries

The passage of times makes people forget a lot of the things. But Russell was completely exposed during nets Sixers playoff series in 2019. He is what he is. A volume shooter who can be shut down but elite defender. Which is what happened in 2019.

That’s what playoff basketball does to players. It exposes players. Ben Simmons got exposed and got mental breakdown.

Russell had horrible series in 2019. Sixers organization doesn’t forget that.

Based on your grammar, I highly doubt you're actually capable of having an intelligent thought, let alone have any clue what Morey is thinking. Go back to your own board where you can dream of a positive return for Simmons collectively as a group.

Do you want another locked thread? Because that's how you get another locked thread.

[TaylorTag]

The only way I think Rosas' departure will change the Simmons trade talks is if Rosas was in the minority when it comes to making Ant untouchable.

I don't think the 76ers want to trade for a Russell base package or a Beasely/McDaniels based package, but maybe an Ant package would do it.

Before you condemn me to hell, I am not suggesting the team do this. I just think it would be the only path for us to get Simmons. And if that's the case, then the question is whether or not the front office, and perhaps more importantly the owners, think the reward of getting Simmons outweighs the risk of Edwards being a superstar sooner rather than later.

Rosas is gone, and it has sped up this transition from Taylor and Lore. The idea when ARod and Lore first came into an agreement with Taylor was that Taylor would show them the ropes and allow the people in the Wolves organization to prove their worth and value during the transition.

Well that's done. Lore will be picking a new guy now, not 2 years from now. And since that's the case, Lore and ARod are now more responsible and therefore under more scrutiny to start making winning decisions.

When we first learned about this transition period, I assumed that Lore and ARod would maybe see value in waiting for the Ant/McDaniels timeline to develop, so that when Taylor leaves and they become full owners in a few years, they will be in good position to make a leap..

But with everything that has transpired the past week, maybe ARod and Lore are willing to go all in now. Ant is great for marketing and therefore Wolves' business. There's no doubt about that. He also has the potential to be an All-Star in the West at a position of importance in the modern NBA. That's huge.

But on the flip side, couldn't there be somebody whisper in Lore's ear that we won the lottery with Ant, we also got a stud late in the first in McDaniels, why not cash in on the lottery ticket now when he is worth a proven All-Star on a long-term deal in Simmons, establishing a true Big 3 with guys on the same timeline and the potential to keep those 3 for 8-some years (there is a universe where this happens). Plus, you still keep a player in McDaniels who has the potential (and the fit mind you) to become that 4th guy in a couple years.

I know this is sacrilegious but I am going for it: Simmons for Ant, Beverley (Rosas' guy (and Morey's guy)), Okogie, Layman. The trade actually puts us below the luxury tax, but we would only have 11 guys, so we would need to add 2 more..

Edwards was Rosas' guy. I think he got the pick right. But there is no guarantee he develops into the player Simmons is right now. Does Gupta and/or Lore feel the same way?