The Timberwolves don’t appear to be making an effort to trade Karl-Anthony Towns, Darren Wolfson of SKOR North said in his latest podcast (hat tip to HoopsHype). There has been speculation that Minnesota might be open to moving Towns because of the financial issues his contract will eventually cause, but Wolfson hears that the market has been quiet so far.
“I’m not ruling it out,” Wolfson said. “But what I can tell you in real time is I’ve checked with two teams’ front office executives very high up, two teams that make logical sense if the Wolves were to trade Karl-Anthony Towns. If they let the league know, ‘Hey, we’re interested in trading Karl-Anthony Towns’, these two teams undoubtedly would at least inquire… Well, these two executives told me, ‘So far, crickets.’ They have not had any trade dialogue with the Wolves.”
Towns’ four-year super-max extension will take effect in 2024/25, resulting in an estimated $50MM salary for that season and then escalating to a $62MM player option for 2027/28. A calf injury limited the three-time All-Star to 29 games last season, and he often appeared to be an awkward fit alongside center Rudy Gobert.
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- Timberwolves coach Chris Finch told Wolfson that Kyle Anderson is working out again after undergoing eye surgery following the playoffs (Twitter link). Anderson was forced to miss Game 5 of the series against Denver after inadvertently being struck in the face by teammate Anthony Edwards as they tried to block a dunk.
- The Jazz are reportedly adding two assistant coaches to Will Hardy‘s staff. Mike Williams, who was head coach of the Wizards‘ G League affiliate this season, has accepted a job with Utah, tweets Josh Robbins of The Athletic. Chad Forcier, who coached under Mike Budenholzer with the Bucks, is also expected to join the Jazz, Marc Stein states in a Substack column.
- Scheduling a workout with Villanova’s Cam Whitmore shows the Jazz are willing to consider moving up in the draft, writes Sarah Todd of The Deseret News. Whitmore is viewed as a potential top-five selection who’s expected to be off the board by the time Utah picks at No. 9. Todd examines the many options the Jazz might have with all of their three first-round selections.
- With Chet Holmgren expected to be the Thunder‘s starting center next season, Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman looks at five potential backups available in the draft, either at No. 12 or in the second round.
Seeing Towns to Portland, GSW, or NYK as logical dedtinations.
Would likely involve a 3rd team with Portland/NYK to move Nurkic/Robinson.
Moving Towns would be the only way to recoup draft capital after that Gobert debacle.
I agree they are looking to move towns but more to do with the ledger and fit than re – couping draft capital – They’ll look for a turn key return rather than picks imo
Don’t think Nyk should engage but if I was Min I’d look into Randke/ Fourn as a return, maybe they get sone picks w it maybe not. The board will probably feel that’s lite ( abd maybe it is ) but I just don’t get the sense Kat has much value relative to contract today
They probably have to include Obi or RJ to make it work.
Whitmore would be a nice addition for Jazz. But I’d say he goes top 6. Probably be best to move up to 5 to get him. Pistons are looking at him.
What do you think they asking price would be?
MIN shouldn’t move Towns until he’s proven that he can (or can’t) play effectively with Gobert in a base lineup. Since most teams in the league (and most observers as well) believe he can’t (and would value him only that way), they have nothing to lose by waiting. At some point, they may need to move him for financial reasons, but that’s not an issue this year.
My sense is that the NYK would only pursue Towns if it’s as a PF. But who knows? Towns and Randle are (or at least were) “friends” (or just UK alums pretending to be), and apparently at one point were intrigued about the idea of playing together. I just don’t know if anyone else (including anyone running an NBA team) is similarly intrigued. I know I’m not.
Knicks don’t want Towns. Thibs is not a fan. I certainly don’t want Towns. Stop swallowing what writers feed you ……
Knicks worst move. Would be to go after an overhyped star. See Mello trade !!!!
We need a team fit. That won’t break us. Our picks are starting to show. Something most Clowns on here never believed would happen. For me DeRozan and Ayton take us to next level. And we won’t have to give up half the team and all the picks.
I’m still holding out and praying Randle gets moved. We’ll see soon enough our path to contending……. I just hope it’s before the season starts.
Patience …… patience……… patience ……
We are still building. Year three of Thibs era just finished.
I agree they shouldn’t go after Towns
Also agree they don’t need to break the bank this off-season – They really don’t have to entertain risk, but you better believe other teams will be knocking at your door with temptations as you have nice easily packaged goods back for return
Beal Dame KAt are nanes that might actually cross thier tables next week ; agree they should pass on all but the whole Adam Eve apple scenarios exist – We’d like to think our front office thinks clearly all the time but pressure to win spawns risky behavior at times , its what makes the off season so interesting
I like Lauri for Nyk tbh, think he could be had and not break the bank and most importantly a perfect fit
The Thunder should not use the #12 pick on a backup center. Take a shooter like Jordan Hawkins. They still need to improve their 3-point shooting & Hawkins would be a great fit in that regard. Take a backup center in the 2nd round or go get one via free agency or trade
Agreed, if Hendriks GradeyD or Coulibaly is there (1 should be) I think they are all much safer and better fits
The season just ended tonight. Towns market will heat up now. I’ve always like KAT but he’s been a tough chemistry mix all along. When ANT came on board you could tell it was gonna be his team, and it seemed like kat wanted his team… why jimmy (missed a lot of finals) buckets and him butted heads so much.
Gobert plays a much more passive role which fits a bit better with ANT taking the lead.
Minnesota should stay the course like the nuggets did. At the deadline next year they will know what to do.
The Jazz are bringing in quite the variety of new assistant coaches this off-season. I hope one of them knows how to implement a better defense than they had last year. I’m hoping that the Bucks assistant is that guy. Chances are he’d at least know what worked for them. =)