Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony has not played since Dec. 13 due to a knee injury.While Towns has repeatedly been listed as “questionable” he has yet to make truly tangible progress in his efforts to get back on the floor. However, there may be something else going on behind the scenes.
Reports surfaced on Monday suggesting Towns is unhappy in Minnesota and he may want out of town. His status in the Twin Cities has been under examination for some time. Teams showed some interest in possibly acquiring him this past summer, but Towns himself also lobbied for the Timberwolves to go after D'Angelo Russell in free agency.
Minnesota started fairly hot as Towns thrived in the frontcourt and has really come into his own as a dual threat in the post and on the perimeter. But the Timberwolves have lost 12 of their last 14 dating back to the start of December, and Andrew Wiggins really struggled last month. Not to mention, the Timberwolves could very well be on the precipice of trading forward Robert Covington. Might they also trade Towns?
The former No. 1 overall pick signed a super-max extension in September of 2018, and he is unquestionably one of the most talented big men of this generation. However, he has endured his fair share of criticism in Minnesota. Jimmy Butler repeatedly questioned his toughness, and Towns' frustration is evident in light of the Wolves' struggles thus far.
One team that could look to make a move for Towns? The Golden State Warriors. Ethan Strauss of The Athletic noted the Warriors are monitoring Towns' situation in Minnesota, and they might have the pieces to make a big splash, should they choose.
The question is, what would the Warriors have to offer to get a deal done?
The trade: D-Lo and Warriors 2020 first-rounder for Towns
Ironically, any deal involving Towns moving to the Dubs would almost certainly have to include Russell.
The Timberwolves will want to receive a controllable asset, and Russell is particularly expendable once Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson return to action (whenever that might be).
Russell would give the Timberwolves a playmaker at the point guard position, and they could elect to use Golden State's 2019 first-rounder to possibly select James Wiseman as Towns' replacement in the middle.
Would the Warriors be willing to part with a top pick? A rumor surfaced just a couple weeks back indicating the Warriors were not enamored with any of the top prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft. If that is the case, why not trade for Towns?
The former Kentucky star would be the perfect complementary piece to Curry and Thompson. Towns was shooting nearly 42 percent from beyond the arc on an astonishing 8.5 attempts per game. He can stretch the floor while also giving the Warriors a legitimate inside presence. Not to mention, Towns only just turned 24, and he is under contract through the 2023-24 season. Even if Golden State's superstars begin to show some decline in their 30s, they will have a potential centerpiece to build around.
Of course, the Warriors will not contend this season. But a move for Towns would nonetheless change the course of their future as a franchise. If the Timberwolves demand more than just Russell and the pick, perhaps the Warriors could toss Eric Paschall in as a sweetener.
Regardless, Towns has the kind of talent that could reinvigorate a Warriors dynasty.
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