One NBA writer is proposing that the Brooklyn Nets acquire Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns this offseason.
Our own James Piercey of NBA Analysis Network proposed that the Nets send Cameron Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith and a bevy of draft picks to the Timberwolves for Towns.
“Some will question our wisdom here,” Piercey wrote. “If Towns couldn’t be paired with Rudy Gobert, why will he work with Nic Claxton? Well, there’s a meaningful difference between Gobert and Claxton. Gobert is one of the best drop coverage rim protectors in NBA history, but he can’t switch onto the perimeter. By contrast, Claxton is one of the league’s few 1-5 defenders. He and Towns can likely co-exist. Meanwhile, if they can’t, the Nets can sort that out later. This team needs an offensive centerpiece more than they need a defensive anchor.
“Meanwhile, the Nets can afford to lose two three-and-D wings. They’ll still have Mikal Bridges and Royce O’Neale following this deal. With Towns as their new leading man, they should be improved next season.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Brooklyn Nets Updates
The Timberwolves could trade Towns this offseason, according to NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report. In July 2022, KAT signed a four-year, $224.2 million designated veteran player extension with Minnesota.
“The Timberwolves had high expectations when it acquired Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz (for significant draft capital) that it would be a strong playoff contender. Instead, they had to fight through the play-in to lose to the Denver Nuggets in the first round,” Pincus wrote. “The new rules don’t favor Minnesota, with Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels extension eligible this summer. Edwards is believed to be seeking a max deal (and many around the league believe he’ll get it), and McDaniels is likely seeking closer to a $25-30 million starting salary.”
“The team won’t be able to afford that, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Gobert combining for over $90 million in 2024-25,” Pincus explained. “Dealing Gobert will not return anything close to what the Timberwolves paid to Utah. Other competing executives think Karl-Anthony Towns will be long gone ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. Some even believe Minnesota would jump at an opportunity in the next few weeks.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Towns averaged 20.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists this season for the Timberwolves while shooting 49.5% from the field, 36.6% from beyond the arc and 87.4% from the free-throw line. KAT, a three-time All-Star, only played in 29 games due to a serious calf injury.
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