Sixers: Top realistic trade target from 5 teams interested in Ben Simmons
Sixers’ top realistic Ben Simmons trade target from Timberwolves: Malik Beasley
Let us operate under the assumption that Minnesota has no interest in trading Anthony Edwards, the reigning No. 1 overall pick whose late-season surge put him firmly in the Rookie of the Year debate. It has been reported that Minnesota will hold tight to D’Angelo Russell. If that’s the case, it’s safe to assume Edwards is off the table.
The next guy up is Malik Beasley, who yes, is not a very exciting name. In the past, we have dived deep into potential trade configurations with Minnesota, all of which have essentially required a third team. The Wolves do not have the assets straight-up, unless Minnesota mortgages its draft future.
That said, Beasley is not a nobody. He averaged 19.6 points last season, and is the kind of volume scoring wing who would have immediate utility in Philadelphia. He took 8.7 shots per game from deep, and hit them at a 39.9 percent clip. He can set the net ablaze and there’s no denying Philadelphia’s general need for bucket-getters on the perimeter.
On the other hand, Beasley is serving a jail sentence at the moment and has never come close to All-Star status, whereas Simmons is a three-time All-Star and one of the best three-level defenders in recent history. It would take Beasley and a whole heck of a lot more to pique Morey’s interest.