Every team in the NBA should be monitoring the availability of every star. It’s wise to keep an open mind. Teams have plans, but they also make contingency plans. With that said, some teams seem to be monitoring the availability of some stars more closely than others. For example, the New York Knicks seem to have an eye on Karl-Anthony Towns.
Why wouldn’t they? The Timberwolves had a disappointing 2022-23 season. Towns doesn’t appear to be a good fit alongside Rudy Gobert. Meanwhile, the Knicks have got an impressive collection of assets. Is this deal waiting to happen?
We wouldn’t go that far. Indeed, the Wolves would instead bounce back in 2023-24. Still, moving Towns will have to be an option if they get off to a rough start. The Knicks are likely to be in the mix if he’s available. Here’s the best deal that they could offer for him.
NBA Trade Proposal – New York Knicks Land Karl-Anthony Towns
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Mitchell Robinson
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, C Jonas Valanciunas, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns
With that said, it’s not only stars who should be monitored. Smart teams are monitoring role players as well. These days, quality players seem to become available more than ever before.
It’s possible that player empowerment is trickling down to lesser players. This summer, Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers allegedly requested a trade.
Even Kai Jones issued a request – although the Charlotte Hornets waived him. Trade requests aren’t only for superstars anymore. Players are taking their fate into their own hands.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & New York Knicks Updates
Does Robinson want a trade? It has felt that way at times. The Knicks big man once took to social media to complain about his role on the team. Should the Knicks flip him for Towns?
Why New York Knicks Do This Deal
If the Knicks acquire Towns, they won’t need Robinson. We’ve just seen Towns alongside a drop coverage rim protector like Robinson. If he didn’t work with Gobert, he’s not likely to work with Robinson. So, we’ve got the Knicks moving Robinson.
After all, they’re acquiring Towns. Will the defense suffer? Absolutely. Robinson is one of the best rim protectors in the NBA. Towns is…not. He’s struggled on the defensive end of the floor. For that matter, so has Julius Randle. Are we sure about this?
No. The Knicks could have the best offense in the NBA following this deal. They were already close last season, and now they’re adding Towns.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & New York Knicks Updates
If it doesn’t work, they’d likely move Randle before moving Towns. This is a talent upgrade for the Knicks at the end of the day. What is it for the Timberwolves?
Why Minnesota Timberwolves Do This Deal
For the Wolves, this is mostly about recouping assets. They’re landing three first-round picks in exchange for Towns. Yes, that’s one less than they moved for Gobert. The market has changed, and teams aren’t likely to give up four unprotected first-rounders for a poor defensive big like Towns.
With that said, three first-round picks is a good haul. Meanwhile, Fournier is on an expiring contract. This deal offers Minnesota some cap relief.
That will allow them to flesh out the roster around Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Gobert next summer. In the meantime, their defense should improve following this deal – if Edwards can leap offense, they could even be a better team.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & New York Knicks Updates
Finally, the Wolves won’t start Valanciunas alongside Gobert. They could use him as an unconventional sixth man. The Wolves could still use double big lineups – they just won’t be married to them. Should the Pelicans give their big man up for Robinson?
Why New Orleans Pelicans Do This Deal
The Knicks may not need Robinson if they’re acquiring Towns. The Pelicans could use him. This team has been looking to add a defensive big. Robinson is one of the best in the NBA.
They should be willing to part with this Lakers pick in order to land him. In all likelihood, the Lakers will be in the title race anyway. This shouldn’t be a lottery pick – and even if it is, Robinson is impactful enough on defense to justify parting with it.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & New York Knicks Updates
After all, the Pelicans shouldn’t be watching stars as closely as some teams. They’ve got a pair. If the Pelicans add Robinson and get some injury luck from Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, this team could be dangerous.
