The Toronto Raptors are in a weird place. This is a team that could justify a lot of different decisions. They’ve got a lot of talent, but they’re also coming from a disappointing NBA season. Should they rebuild or not?
For what it’s worth, the Raptors have recently changed coaches. Sometimes, that can do wonders for a team. If Darko Rajakovic’s motion-heavy system improves this team, they may not want to rebuild.
By contrast, if the Raptors are still disappointing, don’t be surprised if Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby are on different teams this season. Yet, the Raptors don’t seem like they want to rebuild. This team was linked to Damian Lillard this summer.
It’s possible that Toronto would rather make a big trade in their effort to improve. Could they make a move for Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves?
NBA Trade Proposal — Toronto Raptors Land Karl-Anthony Towns
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Jakob Poeltl
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: F OG Anunoby, C Jonas Valanciunas, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – TOR)
Toronto Raptors Receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns
Frankly, all three of these teams are in weird places. None of these teams will likely be in the title picture next season. Yet, none of them are exactly rebuilding, either. This three-team deal features a trio of teams squarely in the league’s middle class.
We already covered the Raptors. The Timberwolves are at a similar crossroads. This team invested a tremendous amount of draft capital in Rudy Gobert last summer. In 2022-23, it didn’t look like a wise investment. The Wolves will never get the same type of return for Gobert that they gave up for him. What will they do next?
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors Updates
Meanwhile, the Pelicans don’t have the same roster construction issues. They struggle with health. Zion Williamson is a significant injury risk, and Brandon Ingram can also get hurt.
Should they sink a first-round pick into Jakob Poeltl?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
The Pelicans need a plan. If they want to rebuild, they should also move Williamson – and possibly Ingram. If they want to stay competitive, they should upgrade their roster. The one thing that the Pelicans shouldn’t do is stay stagnant.
Let’s assume that they’d rather not rebuild. In that case, the Pelicans need a defensive big. It seems as if the organization agrees. We’ve heard that New Orleans wants a defensive anchor for some time now. Why not Poeltl?
He’s a strong rim protector who can also survive in space. Offensively, Poeltl isn’t as talented as Valanciunas, but with Williamson and Ingram on the roster, it’s a moot point.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors Updates
Meanwhile, Poeltl is still a plus positional passer who the Pelicans can incorporate into their attack. Should the Raptors give up such a useful player?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors would only do this deal under certain conditions. They need to be playing well – otherwise, they should be on the receiving end of the draft capital. Moreover, they need to be relying on Scottie Barnes more than Anunoby. Otherwise, why are they moving Anunoby to improve?
Let’s assume that all of those conditions hold. In that event, this is a good trade for the Raptors. Yes, Towns is a defensive liability. The Raptors may have the roster to cover for his limitations. With two big wings like Siakam and Barnes flanking him, Towns should be able to survive on that end of the floor.
The offensive fit is also perfect. Towns’ elite floor spacing at the 5 spot would make up for the limited combined shooting of Siakam and Barnes.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors Updates
If the Raptors are having a comeback season, adding Towns could make them even stronger. Should the Wolves part with their longtime star?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
The Wolves feel stuck. This team has a tandem of big men in the front court who don’t necessarily complement each other. They’re out of assets after trading for one of them. Trading Gobert is not an appealing option. At best, the Wolves will get matching contracts for him.
For Towns? The Timberwolves could get a haul. At the same time, this team shouldn’t be looking to rebuild completely. Minnesota already has its franchise player in Anthony Edwards.
If they’re moving Towns, they should look for a return that keeps them competitive and replenishes some of their assets. That’s what they’re doing here. With a frontcourt of Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and Anunoby, the Wolves could have one of the league’s best defenses.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors Updates
Meanwhile, they could use Valanciunas as a sixth man and still deploy some dual big-man lineups. All told this deal should put the Wolves in a better place.
