NBA offenses are more efficient than ever before. All around the league, we see elite scorers and dynamic offensive systems. Yet, defense still matters, and it always will. That’s why some offensive stars are especially difficult to build around.
For example, take Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves. This is one of the most offensively gifted big men that we’ve ever seen.
Unfortunately, Towns struggles on the defensive end of the floor. As talented as he is, Towns has proven to be a difficult player to build around.
Have the Timberwolves done their best? That’s debatable. They acquired Rudy Gobert to cover for Towns on the interior last summer. It seems as if putting Towns on the perimeter has only compounded his issues.
A team with a platoon of quality defensive wings may be a better fit for Towns. How about the Orlando Magic?
NBA Trade Proposal — Orlando Magic Land Karl-Anthony Towns
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Markelle Fultz, G/F Gary Harris, F Chuma Okeke, 2025 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – DEN via MIN), 2027 First-Round Pick (MIN)
Orlando Magic Receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns
Have NBA defenses improved? That depends on who you ask. Some older fans long for the days of hand-checking. To be sure, the game has gotten less physical. Does that mean that defenses have gotten worse?
We wouldn’t go that far. Defense has gotten more sophisticated. In the older days, man-to-man defense was the standard. Teams didn’t employ the same types of schemes that we see today.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic Updates
Now, we see big men defending at the level and switching. We see cross-positional matchups. Have NBA defenses gotten better? We wouldn’t go that far, either. We’d simply say that the game has changed. Of course, big men developing into shooters has certainly been a key agent for that change.
Should the Magic acquire one of the best shooting big men that we’ve ever seen?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
Some Magic fans won’t like this deal. We understand. The Magic have established a defensive identity. Why would they compromise that by acquiring Towns? Shouldn’t they stay the course?
We understand. At the same time, Towns is one of the best offensive big men in NBA history. He’d be joining Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner to form one of the most talented frontcourts in the NBA.
Meanwhile, Orlando could stagger their star trio with one of the league’s best defensive reserves. When one or two of their big 3 sit, defensive aces like Jonathan Isaac and Wendell Carter Jr. will substitute in.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic Updates
Finally, this is a buy-low opportunity for the Magic as well. Towns is a star player. He’d only be available at this price because the difficulties that the Wolves have had building around him are hurting his trade value.
Should the Wolves even accept this package for him?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
The Wolves may not want to rush into this deal. instead, they should see how their season goes. If Towns and Gobert figure out how to co-exist, they won’t want to sell low on Towns.
Let’s assume that they don’t. In that event, something has to give in Minnesota. It’s also worth noting that the Wolves aren’t trading their franchise player here – that would be Anthony Edwards. They’re trading his co-star. The idea would be to eventually put a better-fitting roster around him.
Fultz is a good start on that front. The Timberwolves could use a long-term solution at point guard, and Fultz fits the bill.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic Updates
Finally, Minnesota could use these draft picks to further upgrade their roster down the road. With Edwards at the helm, they should be able to piece together a strong offense.
