With the 2022-23 NBA season in the rearview, the league’s teams have a moment to reflect. Some are satisfied with their performance last season, while others will see room for improvement. The offseason is a time for them to consider how they could improve.
The Memphis Grizzlies decided that they needed to improve their culture. Acquiring Marcus Smart was a great step in that regard. This team may choose to hold steady for the rest of the summer. Alternatively, they could still make another big move.
By contrast, the Minnesota Timberwolves had more direct basketball concerns. The fit between the players on this roster is questionable. In particular, the Wolves need to ask themselves if Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert can play together. if they decided that they couldn’t, could they send Towns to the Grizzlies?
The Trade Proposal
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G/F Luke Kennard, C Steven Adams, F/C Brandon Clarke, G/F Ziaire Williams, 2025 First-Round Pick (MEM), 2027 First-Round Pick (MEM), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns
On the other hand, NBA teams don’t want to overreact. An arrangement may not look good with a small sample size. A team may want to give that arrangement a larger sample size before they make a decision on it. It’s a difficult balance to strike.
Perhaps the solution is to look at that arrangement in a vacuum. The question isn’t whether this has worked – it’s whether this ought to work. These are the questions that the Timberwolves should be asking themselves. Is there reason to believe that Towns and Gobert are a good pair?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
It’s questionable. Sure, Gobert’s elite rim protection can cover for Towns’ shortcomings in that area. On the other hand, Towns has even more difficulty guarding the perimeter. It may be time for the Wolves to cut their losses and recognize that this duo isn’t a good fit. Is this the right way for them to do that?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
This would be a difficult pill for the Wolves to swallow. We realize that. We also think it would be a good one for them. The Towns/Gobert pairing has a lot of concerns around it. The Wolves have to at least consider splitting them up early and moving on.
That doesn’t mean this is a good return. To be sure, the Wolves would hope to get more for Towns. They may have to accept some harsh truths. The clear difficulty that they’ve had making Towns work on the defensive end is going to impact his trade value. At this point, the Wolves won’t get a return befitting a former number-one pick.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
With that in mind, this is still a helpful return. The Timberwolves could use an elite floor spacer like Kennard. Moreover, Clarke is the type of versatile combo big who can play with and without Gobert. Throw in two first-round picks and a swap, and the Wolves would have to consider this deal. Should the Grizzlies?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Gobert was never the right type of defensive big to pair with Towns. The Timberwolves needed to target someone more versatile. Gobert is an elite stationary rim protector, but he can’t defend in space. By that logic, Jaren Jackson Jr. is the perfect compliment to Towns.
Following this deal, Towns would return to the 5. With Jackson Jr. alongside him, his defensive shortcomings will be properly minimized. Jackson Jr. is a defensive eraser who can guard the rim and the perimeter at the same time. His exceedingly rare skillset will help Towns thrive at his natural position.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Meanwhile, this should make Memphis a devastating team offensively. When Ja Morant returns from his suspension, he should develop elite pick-and-pop chemistry with Towns. They’ll be one of the most talented offensive duos in the NBA. As Memphis reflects on their roster this summer, they ought to give some thought to Towns.
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