ALEC NATHANSEPTEMBER 27, 2018
The
Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly sought Ben Simmons in a potential
Jimmy Butler trade with the
Philadelphia 76ers.
Appearing on
The Bill Simmons Podcast on Thursday, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor explained just how high the Timberwolves' asking price is for their disgruntled shooting guard:
"One of the things that I've heard from a handful of sources is that—with the Sixers for example—the initial offer that they made, the counter-offer was like, 'We need Ben Simmons in a deal.'"
ESPN.com's
Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe reported Thursday that "Minnesota’s asking price for Jimmy Butler remains too steep for teams" and that the Timberwolves are in search of "quality" veterans, top prospects, future assets and cap relief in any swap.
Citing sources, Wojnarowski added rival teams are "skeptical" of head coach and team president Tom Thibodeau's "desire to make a deal."
The Athletic's
Sam Amick followed up and reported the Sixers are "completely out" of the Butler sweepstakes and have not "had any traction after preliminary discussions."
Based on O'Connor's reporting, it's no wonder why.
Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors: T'Wolves Asked for Ben Simmons from 76ers