Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly interested in acquiring Ben Simmons via trade this offseason, however they will not give up any core pieces for the Sixers’ All-Star forward.

According to Jon Krawczynski and Danny Leroux of The Athletic (hat tip to Bleacher Report), the Timberwolves have no intention of including D’Angelo Russell in any trade this summer.

The T-Wolves reportedly view Russell as a key part of their core and “want to keep it that way”. On the other hand, Simmons is coming off a terrible playoff run that has led to speculation he could be traded.

Simmons records career regular-season averages of 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.7 steals, while shooting 56.0 percent from the field.

On the other side, Russell appeared in just 42 games in his first full season with Minnesota, due to several injuries. He appeared in just 42 games in his first full season with Minnesota.

Earlier today, Dane Moore reported that President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas and 76ers General Manager Elton Brand met in Chicago during the NBA combine to discuss a trade centering around Simmons.