With all the controversy going on in Minnesota at the moment, it is a perfect time for someone to step up and lead this talented yet dysfunctional squad. There's no better player to do that then ascending talent Karl-Anthony Towns, especially after securing a max contract extension from the Timberwolves.

According to Jon Krawczynski of the Athletic, Towns agrees and is ready to step into much more of a leadership role.

“I have more experience, I’m older, I’ve been in the league longer, I have a little more dog years on me,” Towns said to the Althletic in Krawczynksi's article. “It’s not the money. The money doesn’t make me a leader. It’s the everyday grind I show to my teammates that earns me that respect to make my voice heard.”

Those words have to be very encouraging to a Timberwolves franchise has been in the news for a lot of the wrong reasons lately.

Article Continues Below
More Timberwolves News
The Minnesota Timberwolves receive a grade for the Naz Reid contract.
Grading Timberwolves’ $125 million Naz Reid contractAbdullah Imran ·
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game three of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Grading Timberwolves’ $100 million Julius Randle contractRishav Bhat ·
LeBron James with the logos of every NBA team in the background.
Ranking 5 best LeBron James trade destinations after Rich Paul’s bombshell Lakers quotesBailey Bassett ·
Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the second quarter in game five of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center
Naz Reid’s massive Timberwolves contract has Bobby Marks questioning value of dealJackson Stone ·
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) prepares to play the New Orleans Pelicans before the game at Target Center.
NBA rumors: Pistons, Hawks the leaders to steal away Timberwolves free agentRishav Bhat ·
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game three of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Timberwolves’ Julius Randle to sign $100 million contract after Naz Reid bonanzaTroy Finnegan ·

Whether it's speculation about individual player relationships or the well-publicized Jimmy Butler trade request, it has been a tough month for Minnesota.

With training camp opening this week, the team will have to somehow shut out the outside noise and get ready for a season that starts in less than a month.

Regarded as one of the most talented players in the NBA, Towns is fit to be a leader. Now entering his fourth season as a pro, he has had time to grown and truly understand the ins-and-outs of the NBA.

With averages of 21.3 points and 12.3 rebounds last season, he has already proven what he can do in the box score. Now is the time for Towns to translate his place on the team to the leader of a winning organization.