NBA Trades: 7 Karl-Anthony Towns deals the Timberwolves must consider
By Cal Durrett
NBA Trades: The New York Knicks (finally) land a star in this Towns trade.
The New York Knicks famously struck out on their pursuit of star Donovan Mitchell last summer, but they could be well-positioned to acquire Towns this summer. The Knicks have most of their first-round picks going forward, as well as several that they received from the Thunder. As a result, the Knicks could offer more than what they offered the Utah Jazz to ensure they close the deal.
A package of RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickly, and two firsts for Towns might be enough for the Knicks to finally land a star via trade. The Knicks’ hypothetical trade package would help restock Minnesota’s depleted draft pick stockpile as well as provide them with several solid young pieces.
Quickley would give the Wolves a potential starting point guard, giving them a more long-term option at the position than Mike Conley, a 35-year-old free agent. Barrett had a down season, but at just 22, he still managed to put up solid numbers, averaging 19.5 points and 5 rebounds per game. He’ll be under contract for the next four years, giving the Wolves another high-scoring wing to put alongside Edwards for the near future.
Meanwhile, Toppin could be a cheap replacement at backup center for Naz Reid, who may not return next season. Those picks, including Washington’s 2023 first-round pick (top-14 protected in 2023 and top-10 in 2024 and 2025), and Milwaukee’s top-four protected 2025 first, might make Minnesota tempted to actually trade Towns to the Knicks.