One NBA writer is proposing that the Philadelphia 76ers acquire Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a massive blockbuster trade. Lee Tran of Fadeaway World proposed the following trade idea between the Sixers and Timberwolves:
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey
“In theory, Karl-Anthony Towns is the perfect frontcourt partner to pair with Joel Embiid if the team decides to go big,” Tran wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “He is the best 3PT shooting big man in the league, which means that playing him at PF won’t affect a team’s spacing. Last season, Towns averaged 20.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists for the Timberwolves, while shooting 36.6 % from 3PT range. He profiles as a great No. 2 option behind Embiid, offensively, and has some ability to get his own shot.
“Though Towns isn’t necessarily an elite rim protector, Embiid should have that department covered. The duo would create a massive rebounding advantage for the Sixers, and they would be well-equipped to play against smaller teams in the Eastern Conference such as the Miami Heat.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Towns averaged 20.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists last season while shooting 49.5% from the field, 36.6% from beyond the arc and 87.4% from the free-throw line. The three-time NBA All-Star signed a four-year, $224.2 million designated veteran player extension with the Timberwolves in July 2022.
Minnesota hasn’t gotten past the first round of the playoffs in the Towns era, which began in 2015-16. Many people around the NBA are keeping an eye on Towns’ future with the Timberwolves in the wake of Anthony Edwards signing a five-year maximum contract extension that could be worth up to $260 million.
NBA insiders Tim MacMahon and Jamal Collier of ESPN think Towns is a player who has flown under the radar in free agency but could be a big storyline at the 2024 February trade deadline.
“There has been some discussion about Towns, but it shouldn’t be a surprise if that gets much louder as the trade deadline nears,” MacMahon wrote. “The face of the franchise for the Timberwolves has transitioned to Edwards, fresh off signing a new potential supermax extension. If Minnesota is going to make another major change, it would need to be by trading Towns.”
Added Collier: “Minnesota did not live up to expectations last season, and had Towns not missed such a significant portion of the campaign with an injury, there might already be more questions surrounding that roster.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
The Sixers are currently dealing with James Harden’s trade request. They probably won’t look to acquire Towns since Joel Embiid and Towns got into a major fight during the 2019-20 season. However, never say never in the NBA.
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