Earlier this afternoon, the NBA world was shocked when it was announced that the Minnesota Timberwolves would be moving on from President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas. Rosas had only been with the team since May of 2019, and it looks like it could have some significant ramifications on a potential Ben Simmons deal.

Rosas and 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey are close, having worked for the Houston Rockets for several seasons. Following the news, it was reported that Sachin Gupta would be the interim PBO for Minnesota while the team searched for a replacement. 

Gupta was another Morey disciple and worked with former 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie before landing with the Timberwolves. And now, Jake Fischer, who first reported Gupta taking over, reported that Minnesota ownership is interested in Philadelphia 76ers general manager Elton Brand. 

Brand and Rosas discussed a Ben Simmons deal back during the NBA Combine, and if they hire Elton Brand, it wouldn’t be shocking if he gets the deal done. During his tenure leading the Sixers, Elton Brand was no stranger to blockbuster deals, acquiring Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris through big trades back in 2019.

Over the last few weeks, the two reported deals have been for D’Angelo Russell or Malik Beasley, Jaden McDaniels, and first-round picks, but neither was enough for Philadelphia. There’s a chance whoever takes over could push all the chips in to get a deal done, but that is unclear currently. Until then, Ben Simmons continues to sit out while the team remains hopeful he will play at some point this season.

Mandatory Credit: AP