Every team in the NBA needs a centerpiece. Typically, we’re talking about a team’s best offensive player. Without that player, it’s hard to build an elite offense.
The Brooklyn Nets don’t have that player. Mikal Bridges is a quality player, but he’s not a first option. Without someone to build their offense around, the Nets are floundering.
With that in mind, some have circled the Nets as a candidate to trade for a star this summer. They’ve got enough assets to land their offensive focal point. How about Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves?
NBA Trade Proposal
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 8 Protected – PHI via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns
With that said, the bar for a first option is high. Some players are pegged for that role, and ultimately, they can’t fulfill it. After all, this is the most competitive basketball league in the world.
Take Simmons. He’s a former number-one pick. We knew Simmons couldn’t shoot, but he’s got a lot of other gifts. The idea was that if Simmons was surrounded by spacing, he’d be a top offensive option in this league.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets Updates
It hasn’t gone that way. There are several explanations for that. Simmons’ inability to shoot can be exploited, but injuries have also held him back. Should the Timberwolves take on his contract?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
Simmons’ contract is actually part of his appeal to the Wolves. His deal expires after 2024-25. That’s key to the Wolves. After all, the only reason there’s speculation that they could look to move Towns is to clear up their soon-to-be messy books.
With that said, the Wolves may find a use for Simmons. He’s played well when healthy in 2023-24. Simmons isn’t a natural fit alongside Rudy Gobert, but if the Wolves can stagger their minutes, they can keep an elite defender (along with Jaden McDaniels) on the floor for every minute of every game.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Still, Towns’ trade value will far exceed Simmons’. That’s why the Wolves are getting three first-round picks here. Should the Nets give so much up for Towns?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
A while ago, this may not have made sense. Towns was seen as a defensive liability. Moreover, he couldn’t play next to another big like Nicolas Claxton – right?
Wrong. Towns is thriving alongside Gobert. It stands to reason that he’ll be able to work with a more versatile big like Claxton. Meanwhile, Towns has made strides as a defender. He’s been solid on that end in 2023-24.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Still, the Timberwolves would be acquiring him for his offense. Towns is one of the best offensive big men in the NBA. He could even be the Timberwolves’ focal point.
