The Minnesota Timberwolves hoped their blockbuster trade for Rudy Gobert this offseason would help them finish near the top of the NBA standings. Months later and Minnesota is fighting to stay in the playoff picture.
Minnesota paid a historic prize for the All-Star center. It traded Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Walker Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt and five first-round picks to the Utah Jazz for the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
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However, everything hasn’t gone as planned. While Anthony Edwards made the leap the franchise hoped for, Gobert hasn’t met expectations and Karl-Anthony Towns has missed significant time with a calf injury. Fighting to keep the No. 7 seed, it seems the Timberwolves’ competition believes the franchise could make a drastic change this offseason.
- Karl-Anthony Towns stats: 20.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 32.5% 3PT
Appearing on the Lowe Post, Timberwolves’ reporter Jon Krawczynski said NBA teams are already having discussions about Towns and whether he’ll be made available this summer.
“Teams are already talking about it, There’s no doubt that other teams are eyeing this situation and looking to see if Karl-Anthony Towns will become available.”
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic on Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns
It’s not unreasonable to think Minnesota could evaluate trading Towns. The 27-year-old is one of the highest-paid NBA players, but injuries have led to extended absences and he hasn’t met expectations in the playoffs.
- Karl-Anthony Towns contract: $36.016 million (2023-’24), free agent in 2024
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Poised to test the open market in 2024, signing Towns to one of the largest contracts in NBA history might not be viable with Edwards also headed for a supermax contract. Furthermore, Minnesota might believe it’s time to make Edwards the face of its franchise.
NBA teams are desperate for a star player to become available via trade this summer and Towns meets the criteria. If the Timberwolves are willing to entertain inquiries, there will be a number of interested teams ready to pursue Towns.