Perhaps we shouldn’t count the Minnesota Timberwolves. They’re still active participants in the NBA playoffs. With that said, their time feels like it’s running out. The Timberwolves would be lucky to survive the Denver Nuggets. At this point, it feels highly unlikely.
Some will say that the fit between Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert is the reason why. It may be. This team’s twin towers model has not looked optimal this season.
The Wolves could trade Gobert. With that said, they’re likely to get more value from Towns. If the front office agrees, don’t be shocked if they shop him around this summer. Here are three teams we think should consider trading for him.
Toronto Raptors
Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors need a fresh start as much as anybody else in the NBA. This team didn’t even make the playoffs this season. They’ve already fired Nick Nurse. Moreover, it’s been rumored that all of their players are available besides Scottie Barnes. The Raptors are ready to make major changes.
Why not add Towns? This is one of the best offensive big men in the NBA. He’d also make a perfect co-star alongside Barnes. Barnes’ poor shooting would be offset by Towns’ elite floor spacing.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Toronto Raptors Updates
Towns’ poor defense would be impacted similarly by Barnes. These two just balance each other ought. The Raptors should consider putting them together this summer. Unless another team snatches Towns up, of course.
Atlanta Hawks
This could look a couple of different ways. The Atlanta Hawks could be interested in trading Trae Young for Towns. That might make sense for both sides. The Wolves would have the elite frontcourt defense necessary to cover for Young’s own defensive warts.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray’s elite point-of-attack defense should offset Towns’ limitations on that end of the floor. All told, doing a deal that way could make both of these teams stronger.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Alternatively, the Wolves may prefer a package focused on Murray. If the Hawks want to lean hard into an offensive identity next year, that could work for them too. Realistically, any team trading for Towns will need to be willing to concede defense for offense.
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks would be no exception. In fact, they’d be making that trade-off very directly. After all, current starting big man Mitchell Robinson is among the best interior defenders in the NBA. If the Knicks acquired Towns, they’d presumably be moving him.
With that in mind, rumors have suggested that Robinson wants to leave New York anyway. If that’s true, replacing him with Towns could be good for this team’s chemistry.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & New York Knicks Updates
Of course, it will also be good for their offense. The Knicks would be unstoppable on that end following this deal. If everything goes well, nobody will be giving up on them in April next year.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here.
