The Minnesota Timberwolves just can’t seem to get over the hump. We’ll give them this: they’re trying. Few teams around the NBA have been as active in trying to improve their team. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out so far.
Are Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert a bad pairing? We’re not sure. It’s fair to say that injuries kept the pair from hitting their stride last season. The Wolves have a limited sample size to work with. Still, if that sample size tells them anything, it tells them that they ought to be concerned.
Moreover, there are basketball reasons to question this duo. Their combined slowness is an issue. Fielding a 5/4 combo that can’t guard the perimeter is difficult in the modern NBA. The Wolves may want to entertain breaking this duo up sooner rather than later. If their front office agrees, could they send Towns to the Orlando Magic?
The Trade Proposal
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, G Markelle Fultz, 2025 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2029 First-Round Pick (ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns
In fact, when an NBA team appears stuck, they often make bold decisions. After all, the worst thing in the NBA that you can be is stuck. Nobody wants to be on the mediocrity treadmill.
For a long time, the Magic appeared to be stuck. They were typically a playoff team, but they couldn’t get out of the first round. Some years, they missed the big dance altogether. Sound familiar? This is the exact boat that the Timberwolves find themselves in.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Orlando Magic Updates
Will the Timberwolves make the playoffs next year? As long as they’re healthy, it feels likely. Will they win a playoff series? We wouldn’t put money on it. The Timberwolves are stuck. Does this deal help them make a change in their direction?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
Absolutely. Partly, the Wolves will be hoping for some addition by subtraction here. As talented as Towns is, he’s a dreadful defender. By pairing Gobert with Jaden McDaniels at the 5 and 4, the Wolves could make a massive leap on defense.
With that said, they can’t simply subtract Towns. This is a star player: the Wolves need to get value for him. That’s what they’re doing here. The Wolves could use a point guard with Mike Conley aging – Fultz is a nice addition. Meanwhile, if Jonathan Isaac can just get healthy, the Wolves could have the best defense in the NBA. Otherwise, he’s an expiring contract.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Orlando Magic Updates
Still, the main purpose of this deal for the Wolves is to receive three unprotected first-round picks. That allows them to recoup most of the draft capital that they gave up for Gobert. All told, this should be enough to motivate them to move on from Towns. Should the Magic want him?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
For Orlando, there’s a little addition by subtraction here as well. This team has a logjam at the point guard spot. Eventually, they’re going to have to make some choices. By moving Fultz, they open up opportunities for Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black and Cole Anthony.
Yet, the main point here is to acquire Towns. Granted, his addition puts Wendell Carter Jr. out to some extent. That shouldn’t stop Minnesota. Both of these men can shoot – they can share the floor for stretches. More broadly, as solid as Carter Jr. is, Towns is a superstar.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Orlando Magic Updates
We’re not going to promise an Orlando championship following this deal. Still, by surrounding Towns with playmakers like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Black and Suggs, the Magic should get the most out of his elite floor spacing. They may compromise their defense, but the trade-off on the other end may be worth their time. If the pieces click, this deal could get the Magic over the hump.
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