Minnesota Timberwolves: Should Karl-Anthony Towns Request A Trade?
DENVER, CO - MARCH 12: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a play during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 12, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
The NBA has changed. No longer are the head honchos in charge. Sure, they write checks, pay for hotels, meals, and shake hands, but how much power do they actually have? In the early days of the NBA, it was their way or nothing else. In today’s game, the real power goes to the players. Take a look around, who makes all the important calls? Players are telling their bosses what they want and where they want to go. Which brings us to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Karl-Anthony Towns.
With players either looking for a big payday or a ring, the league has become a circus of sports. No longer are players willing to put their loyalty to the test and stay with one organization their entire career. Over the course of 10 seasons, they are bound to be good and bad times for everyone. Lately, the bad times have forced players to air their discomfort to the media, family, and friends by stating they wish to be moved.
Who would have thought that Kevin Durant would leave Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City and join a championship-winning Warriors’ team? His case was different than Towns. Durant was used to winning seasons while Towns has known nothing but heartache while in Minnesota.
What has Karl-Anthony Towns possibly on edge is what just happened with Anthony Davis. Last season, it was reported that Davis wanted out of New Orleans. Although considered a quiet guy, Davis grew tired of the losing and the lack of concern from the from office in bringing in quality players.
In Minnesota, the same is happening with Karl-Anthony Towns. Although he’s been surrounded with former All-Stars in Jeff Teague, Derrick Rose, and Jimmy Butler, the Wolves have failed to live up to their potential. How long before Towns says this is enough?
On an individual level, Towns is considered one of the best big men in the NBA. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points and 12.4 rebounds in 33.1 minutes per game. He has the numbers most bigs in the game would kill for but does he still have that desire he possessed when first entering the league?
While teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, and Denver Nuggets have made the correct moves in Drafts and Free Agency, the Wolves have continued to make mistake after mistake.
To be fair to Towns, his name has been mentioned in trade rumors for the last two seasons. When that happens, it’s only a matter of time before the walls come crashing down and trade requests are made. Look at Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs. Despite two trips to the NBA Finals and one ring, he wanted out. That alone should have the Timberwolves nervous.
The plus side for Minnesota is this. Karl-Anthony Towns is just 24 years old and there will be a slew of teams interested to take on his salary and the haul they would get back would be huge. Trading Towns will hurt but the haul will help provide for the rebuild.
With teams like the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets strapped with young talent and cash, this could be the best time for Towns to make his stand.
The Minnesota Timberwolves rumor mill this offseason has been quiet. Plenty of that has to do with whispers of issues dating back to last season and even before that. With the way everything went down with Butler, the Wolves will have a tough time repairing their own image.
While Towns will have talented players around him such as Teague, Wiggins and a good rookie shooter in Cameron Johnson, the Wolves are still missing another star. This is the same issue Davis went through. No matter how great a person’s personality is, winning trumps everything in all sports.
If the front office continues to drop the ball, it’s safe to say that by the 2020 trade deadline, Karl-Anthony Towns could be on social media speaking his heart.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
