The Golden State Warriors have been in the NBA’s title picture for a decade. This has been the league’s preeminent modern dynasty. With that said, there’s reason to believe that this dynasty could end soon.
Recently, we’ve heard rumblings. You probably have, too. The Warriors are having trouble coming to terms on a contract extension with Klay Thompson. This will be an interesting situation to keep an eye on. How will the Warriors respond to this dilemma?
They could let negotiations bleed into next summer. They could try to flip Thompson for some assets. On the other hand, they could consider attaching assets to Thompson’s deal to land a better player.
How about Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves?
NBA Trade Proposal — Golden State Warriors Land Karl-Anthony Towns
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G/F Klay Thompson, 2027 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – GSW), 2029 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns
The Minnesota Timberwolves have never been in the NBA’s title picture. That may sound harsh, but it’s a reality. The closest that this team ever came to contending was in 2003-04.
The Wolves advanced to the Western Conference Finals by putting quality players like Latrell Sprewell, Sam Cassell, and Wally Sczerbiak around Kevin Garnett.
It was a good effort, but the Wolves still fell short. When Garnett finally left, the Timberwolves transitioned into the Kevin Love era. That was less successful.
Now, they’re in the midst of the Karl-Anthony Towns era – although, most would argue that this is Anthony Edwards’ team by now. What’s the problem here? Well, it’s fair to say that Minnesota isn’t the easiest market to succeed in.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors Updates
On the other hand, since Garnett’s departure, the Wolves have been trying to build around offensively gifted, defensively limited big men.
Is it time to finally give up on Towns?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
The Timberwolves would be hoping for a case of addition by subtraction here. As talented as Towns is, it’s possible that this team would be better without him. By starting Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels as their full-time frontcourt, the Wolves could assemble one of the best defenses in the NBA.
Offensively, Edwards would shoulder a tremendous load – for now. Part of the rationale here is that the Wolves are getting assets back. In time, they could use this draft capital to trade for another star to complement Edwards.
Sure, they’re getting fewer picks back than they sent out for Gobert. Unfortunately for the Wolves, the league’s trade market has changed. In all likelihood, they can’t get four unprotected firsts for a defensively limited big like Towns.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors Updates
In the meantime, they’re also getting Klay Thompson. Perhaps he’s lost a step since his prime, but he’s still a knockdown shooter who can guard the point of attack. Should the Warriors part with him?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
From a win-now perspective, this is a perfect deal for the Warriors. Yes, Chris Paul is aging, but he should still be able to start on this otherwise stacked team. The Warriors are moving a starting guard when they’ve got three of them – and landing a star in the process.
Towns may be a limited defender, but if anyone can compensate for him, it’s Draymond Green. Meanwhile, the offensive dynamic that the Warriors would create here should terrify opponents.
How do you guard Steph Curry with Towns spacing the floor? There’s a simple answer here: you can’t, and you don’t. If the Warriors have a concern here, it’s about torpedoing their future and taking back a substantial contract.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors Updates
Those are secondary concerns. This deal boosts the Warriors’ title odds in 2023-24 considerably. If the pieces click, they may be able to stay in the league’s title picture for a little longer.
