The Minnesota Timberwolves were eliminated 1-4 in the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. With their playoff hopes over after a rough series, it’s clear that the team needs to make some big changes this offseason if they want to compete for an NBA championship.
Karl-Anthony Towns has had a harsh performance with 19.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, especially in the efficiency department as he shot 37.9% from the field and just 24.2% from deep in five games. His struggles have highlighted the need for the team to rethink their strategy. Meanwhile, Naz Reid has been a standout performer, earning the Sixth Man of the Year award and showing he’s ready for a bigger role.
Given these circumstances, trading Towns could be the shake-up the Timberwolves need. By acquiring new players who can complement Anthony Edwards, their rising star, they can improve their scoring and overall performance. This move could be crucial in setting the team up for future success and a deeper playoff run next season.
1. The Utah Jazz’s Prolific Duo
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, 2025 first-round pick (via Cavaliers), 2025 first-round pick
Utah Jazz receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
A trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton could be a game-changer for the Minnesota Timberwolves. This move addresses multiple needs for the Timberwolves and adds significant depth and talent to their roster.
Lauri Markkanen, a versatile power forward, has demonstrated his scoring prowess and ability to stretch the floor, averaging 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 55 games. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc would complement Rudy Gobert’s presence in the paint, creating better spacing for the Timberwolves. This spacing is crucial for opening up driving lanes for Anthony Edwards, allowing him to maximize his offensive potential. Markkanen’s fit alongside Gobert would ensure that the Timberwolves maintain a strong defensive front while enhancing their offensive flexibility.
Collin Sexton, on the other hand, would bring youthful energy and dynamic scoring to the Timberwolves’ backcourt. Sexton averaged 18.7 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.6 rebounds in 78 games, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly on both ends of the floor. With Mike Conley at 36 years old, the Timberwolves need a reliable and explosive point guard to take over. Sexton’s 39% shooting from three-point range makes him a legitimate perimeter threat, which would force defenses to spread out, giving Edwards more opportunities to attack the basket.
Additionally, Sexton’s energetic defense and competitive nature would inject new life into the Timberwolves’ defensive schemes. His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses would be invaluable, especially during the playoffs. Pairing him with Edwards could create a formidable backcourt duo capable of high-scoring outputs and relentless defensive pressure.
This trade not only provides the Timberwolves with immediate talent but also aligns with their long-term strategy of building around Anthony Edwards. By acquiring Markkanen and Sexton, the Timberwolves would address their need for a power forward who can shoot and a young, dynamic point guard, making their roster more balanced and competitive. This move could be the key to unlocking their full potential and making a deeper playoff run in the future.
2. Towns’ Perfect Fit With The Warriors
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Chris Paul, 2025 first-round pick
Golden State Warriors receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
The Golden State Warriors, fresh off a rough season that saw them miss the playoffs, are in need of a big change to get back to their winning ways. Trading for Karl-Anthony Towns could be exactly what they need to rejuvenate their roster. Towns would bring his versatile scoring and floor-spacing abilities, making the Warriors’ offense even more lethal.
For the Timberwolves, this trade would bring in some exciting young talent. Jonathan Kuminga, who averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 74 games, is a dynamic forward with a ton of potential. He’s athletic, can score in multiple ways, and would fit well alongside Anthony Edwards, helping to create a young, explosive duo.
Moses Moody, averaging 8.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 66 games, is another promising piece. He’s a solid shooter and defender, which would help boost the Timberwolves’ bench depth. Moody’s ability to stretch the floor and provide perimeter defense makes him a valuable addition to the team.
Chris Paul, while included mainly for salary matching, can still contribute. With averages of 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 58 games, Paul’s experience and leadership could be invaluable off the bench. He could mentor the young guards and provide stability in crucial moments.
Plus, the 2025 first-round pick gives the Timberwolves another asset for the future, helping them continue to build around their young core. This trade gives Minnesota a nice mix of young talent and veteran presence, setting them up for future success while remaining competitive now.
3. A Change Of Scene In Atlanta
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Clint Capela, De’Andre Hunter, Jalen Johnson, 2029 first-round pick
Atlanta Hawks receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
The Atlanta Hawks, featuring stars like Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, are in search of a transformative move to elevate their team. With the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, likely to be center Alex Sarr, trading Clint Capela to make room for Sarr alongside Karl-Anthony Towns could create a young, dynamic, and highly competitive team. This trade scenario offers benefits for both teams, addressing immediate needs and future aspirations.
Clint Capela, who averaged 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, would provide the Timberwolves with a solid backup for Rudy Gobert. Capela’s defensive presence and rebounding prowess would ensure that the Timberwolves maintain a strong interior defense when Gobert rests. Moreover, Capela’s expiring contract would free up $18 million in salary cap space next season, giving the Timberwolves significant financial flexibility for extensions and salary increases for key players like Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels.
De’Andre Hunter would bring a valuable 3-and-D presence to Minnesota. Averaging 15.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc, Hunter’s ability to defend multiple positions and his proficiency in shooting threes make him an essential addition. His presence would not only bolster the Timberwolves’ perimeter defense but also provide a reliable scoring option from the wing, something the team has lacked.
Jalen Johnson, with his averages of 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, offers versatility and potential. Johnson’s ability to shoot from the perimeter (35.5% from three-point range) and his overall versatility make him a strong candidate for either a starting power forward position or as a valuable bench player. He could compete for the Sixth Man of the Year award, considering his steady improvement and growing impact on the court.
For the Timberwolves, this trade also includes a 2029 first-round pick, adding a valuable asset for future planning. This pick could be crucial in continuing to build a competitive roster around their young core.
From the Hawks’ perspective, pairing Towns with Sarr in the frontcourt, alongside Young and Murray, would create a well-balanced and exciting team. Towns’ ability to stretch the floor and play both inside and outside would complement Sarr’s skills perfectly, forming a formidable duo. This combination would enhance the Hawks’ offensive and defensive capabilities, making them serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.
4. The Rockets Making A Big Move
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, 2025 first-round pick, 2026 first-round pick (via Nets)
Houston Rockets receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
The Houston Rockets are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing their young talent and setting the foundation for future success. The 2023-24 season was challenging for them, finishing towards the bottom of the standings. However, they have a promising core of young players, including Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and the highly-touted rookie Amen Thompson. These young stars have shown flashes of potential, making the Rockets a team to watch in the coming years.
Despite these promising developments, the Rockets need a transformative move to accelerate their rebuild and push them towards playoff contention. Acquiring a star like Karl-Anthony Towns could be the game-changer they need.
For the Timberwolves, this trade would bring in a mix of established and young talent, addressing both immediate and future needs. Dillon Brooks, who averaged 12.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, would provide Minnesota with a strong defensive presence on the wing. His ability to guard multiple positions and his aggressive style of play would add much-needed toughness to the Timberwolves’ lineup.
Jabari Smith Jr., with averages of 13.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, has shown significant promise as a versatile forward. His ability to score both inside and outside, combined with his defensive versatility, makes him an ideal fit alongside Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. Smith’s growth and potential would be key in the Timberwolves’ efforts to build a more dynamic and flexible roster.
Amen Thompson, who averaged 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game as a rookie, brings playmaking ability, athleticism, and defensive potential to Minnesota. Thompson could develop into a primary ball-handler, easing the load on Edwards and adding another dimension to their offense. His ability to drive to the basket and create plays for his teammates would be invaluable for the Timberwolves.
In addition to these players, the Timberwolves would receive a 2025 first-round pick and a 2026 first-round pick (via the Nets), providing valuable assets for the future. These picks offer the Timberwolves flexibility in continuing to build a competitive roster around their young core.
For the Rockets, acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns would bring an established star to their lineup, accelerating their rebuild and significantly improving their chances of making a playoff run. Pairing Towns with their young core, including Green and Smith, would create a dynamic and exciting team. Towns’ ability to stretch the floor and his versatile scoring would fit well with the Rockets’ style of play, making them a more competitive and formidable opponent in the Western Conference.
5. Massive Trade For The Knicks
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Julius Randle, Bojan Bogdanovic, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick
New York Knicks receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
The New York Knicks are coming off a season where they made a solid playoff run but ultimately fell short of the Eastern Conference Finals. Jalen Brunson’s MVP-level performance was a highlight, but the team needs a significant roster upgrade to become true championship contenders. The Knicks are looking to make a blockbuster trade to bring in another star player to pair with Brunson and push them over the edge.
Acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns would provide the Knicks with a versatile big man who can score both inside and outside, adding a new dimension to their offense. Towns’ ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his overall offensive versatility would complement Brunson’s playmaking abilities, making the Knicks’ offense more dynamic and difficult to defend.
For the Timberwolves, this trade would bring in a mix of talent and future assets. Julius Randle, who averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 46 games this season, is a versatile forward who can score, rebound, and facilitate. His ability to play both power forward and center positions would give the Timberwolves flexibility in their lineups. Despite some playoff inconsistencies and questions about his fit as a primary option, Randle’s experience and production are valuable.
Bojan Bogdanovic, who averaged 15.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 57 games, is a seasoned wing player known for his shooting and playmaking abilities. His presence would add depth to the Timberwolves’ backcourt, providing another reliable scoring option and veteran leadership. Bogdanovic’s ability to space the floor with his shooting would be a significant asset for Minnesota, creating more room for Anthony Edwards to operate.
Additionally, the inclusion of two future first-round picks (2027 and 2029) gives the Timberwolves valuable assets for their long-term rebuilding plans. These picks could be used to draft promising young talent or as trade assets to acquire more immediate help.
For the Knicks, this trade signifies their commitment to building a team capable of competing at the highest level. Pairing Towns with Brunson and their existing core would make them a formidable force in the Eastern Conference, aiming to end their long-standing championship drought.
