This summer, some NBA teams will have difficult decisions to make. Some of those teams will base their decisions on how the remainder of 2023-24 goes. A disappointing season will lead some teams to make sweeping changes.
Take the Minnesota Timberwolves. As it stands, they’re on top of the Western Conference. If they make a deep playoff run, they won’t likely make any major moves. Otherwise, it’s been suggested that they could look to move Karl-Anthony Towns.
On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors are much further down the Western Conference standings. This is not the powerhouse that NBA fans have grown accustomed to. Could the Warriors remedy that by acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns from the Wolves this summer?
NBA Trade Proposal
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins, G/F Gary Payton II, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2030 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns
It took some time for the Timberwolves to get here. This team does not have a rich history of success. The Timberwolves have often been mediocre – or worse.
Last year, their outlook was bleak. The Timberwolves had traded four first-round picks in exchange for Rudy Gobert. It didn’t result in very many wins. This team had mortgaged their future for a disappointing present.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors Updates
Perhaps the team just needed some time to mesh. Now, the Timberwolves look like world-beaters. Still, concerns about the playoff viability of a Gobert/Towns frontcourt remain. If they get exposed in the playoffs, could Minnesota move Towns?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
This won’t be easy. Towns has been with this organization for his entire career to date. That said, he’s no longer the important player on the team. That would be Anthony Edwards.
His extension is about to kick in. Suddenly, this roster will be expensive. So, if the Timberwolves don’t make a deep playoff run, they may need to clear some cap. Granted, this deal has them taking back Wiggins’ deal, but its shorter than Towns’. Minnesota will be able to move Wiggins if necessary.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors Updates
He could also help them stay relevant if he bounces back after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. Still, the main purpose of this deal for Minnesota is to pick up three unprotected first-round picks. Should the Warriors give up those assets?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The Warriors need to do some soul-searching. They’ve been on a dynastic run for a decade. Still, their odds of winning a title in 2023-24 appear to be virtually nil.
They could rebuild. Golden State could ship off veterans and look towards the future. At the same time, they could get back to title contention by acquiring a star. After all, Steph Curry is still performing at a near All-NBA level.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors Updates
How could teams guard him with Towns spacing the floor alongside him? This could be an impossibly strong offensive dynamic. Towns has even improved on the defensive end – he’ll be fine next to Draymond Green. The Warriors may be glad that they made this decision when next season comes.
