NBA Insider Reluctantly Admits That Keeping Karl-Anthony Towns is ‘Probably’ Right Move for Timberwolves

When the Minnesota Timberwolves take the court to open the 2024-25 NBA season, they will be doing so hoping to advance past the Western Conference Finals. Anthony Edwards will certainly be on the roster, but it isn’t a given that Karl-Anthony Towns will be.

For the past few seasons the Minnesota Timberwolves have explored trades involving Karl-Anthony Towns. They haven’t been able to find a suitor, but this offseason has already kicked up the rumor mill suggesting both the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns as suitable landing spots.

Minnesota Timberwolves probably have to keep Karl-Anthony Towns… I guess.

Regardless of the luxury tax implications, it stands to reason that a shake up for the Minnesota Timberwolves roster could make a decent amount of sense. Anthony Edwards needs a running mate from a pure shooter perspective, and the starting lineup doesn’t exactly have room for one.

NBA Insider Kevin Pelton thinks that moving Towns should at least be explored. Though, in the end, he submits that “keeping the core together is probably the right move”, but man… talk about a guy who doesn’t believe what he is writing.

“Although Minnesota should explore a Towns trade with an eye toward future payroll relief with reserves Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Naz Reid a year away from unrestricted free agency, the right move is probably keeping the core together — for now.”

Kevin Pelton – ESPN

Related: Report: Timberwolves Have Been Trying to Trade Karl-Anthony Towns for Years

Both Edwards and Towns are going to command premium paydays, and that’s the part that impacts the bottom line, but how Towns fits a team needing to take the next step remains to be seen. Unfortunately, his extreme salary and the Wolves’ difficult luxury tax situation may not give them a choice.

Can the Minnesota Timberwolves win with Karl-Anthony Towns?

Last postseason Chris Finch watched in horror as Karl-Anthony Towns was all but non-existent during the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks.

Although it was his presence that elevated them to that round with a series win against the Denver Nuggets, Anthony Edwards’ big man went into the shadows when the franchise needed him most.

"I think the Timberwolves are mentally broken… Karl-Anthony Towns continues to struggle… I'm not too sure he can be your 2nd best player on a championship team."

Paul Pierce on the Timberwolves going down 0-3 to the Mavericks 👀

(via @undisputed)pic.twitter.com/gGABs8fzPD

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 27, 2024

Dealing Towns wouldn’t exactly be straightforward. In fact, it would be downright difficult, if not impossible. Which is probably plays into Pelton’s tone when writing that the Wolves should keep their big three together.

Related: Swaggy P Implores Timberwolves to Run it Back

Because of Towns’ massive contract ($50M next year) and second apron luxury tax trade restrictions will will make trade talks involving KAT near maddening. Not to mention the Timberwolves are in championship mode and would need a piece back that they believe makes them better. They aren’t unloading him. That’s not a thing here, or in the NBA usually.