It’s been said that money makes the world go around. If that’s true, draft capital makes the NBA spin. First-round picks are the currency of the NBA.
By that measure, the Brooklyn Nets are rich. They’ve got some of the most draft capital in the NBA. Last year, the Nets were busy trading their star players in exchange for, above all else, draft capital. With that said, they owe their own picks to the Houston Rockets through to 2027.
They’re still richer than the Minnesota Timberwolves. This team sent four unprotected first-round picks to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Rudy Gobert. Now, they’re draft poor – and Gobert didn’t even appear to be a good fit with the rest of this roster. Could they move Karl-Anthony Towns to the Nets to restock some of that draft capital?
The Trade Proposal
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN), 2030 First-Round Pick (BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns
With that said, first-round picks will always have a primary function to select players. Unprotected picks are like lottery tickets in that sense. Whenever you land one, you’re hoping it will convey as high as possible. If you get the first overall pick in the draft, you’ve struck on incredible luck.
Yet even that doesn’t guarantee success. Just look at this deal. We’ve got the Wolves and Nets swapping former first-overall picks. Simmons is an especially cautionary tale. He started his career producing like a first-overall pick, but unfortunately, that production has fallen off of a cliff.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Brooklyn Nets & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Has Towns had a career worthy of a first-overall pick? It’s a complicated question. Statistically, he’s surpassed that threshold. Yet, one could argue that Towns’ poor defense has held the Timberwolves back. Could they finally trade him as a result?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
Well, it’s not that simple. Although, Towns’ defensive limitations are part of this for the Timberwolves. If they’re tired of trying to build around Towns, we couldn’t blame them. Still, this is mostly about Towns’ fit with Gobert.
We know what you’re thinking, why not trade Gobert? Well, the Wolves would be taking a tremendous loss if they went that route. They’ll never make up the massive package that they sent out in order to acquire Gobert. If the Wolves don’t like the fit between Gobert and Towns, Towns is the obvious trade target.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Brooklyn Nets & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
They’re not flipping him for Simmons here – he’s only in the deal to make the money work. They’re flipping him for three unprotected first-round picks. Meanwhile, the Wolves can stay relevant. Gobert and Jaden McDaniels can anchor an elite defense while Anthony Edwards carries the offense. In time, they could use these picks to add another star to their roster. Should the Nets give them that flexibility?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Nets may have a deep collection of draft capital. Without their own first-round picks, they’ve got no incentive to lose. Meanwhile, they’re not likely to get far without an offensive focal point.
Towns can be an offensive focal point. He may have his warts, but he remains one of the best offensive big men in the NBA. Towns is an elite shooter with a strong handle that allows him to attack closeouts. You can build an offense around his skillset. Is he a good fit with this roster?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Brooklyn Nets & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Some will say no. If Towns didn’t fit with Gobert, why would he fit with Claxton? Well, Gobert is a dominant drop coverage rim protector who struggles to defend in space. By contrast, Claxton is among the most versatile defensive bigs in the league. If the Nets can pair them, they should – even if it costs them some draft capital.
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