Could Karl-Anthony Towns end up being the Anthony Davis of 2020?
As you might recall, Davis was disgruntled with the New Orleans Pelicans, so he forced his way out with a trade that eventually landed him with the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to a recent report, there are NBA teams keeping an eye on Towns in Minnesota, where the Timberwolves are struggling. From The Athletic’s Ethan Strauss: “The Warriors have been monitoring Karl-Anthony Towns’ situation in Minnesota … This was a topic among multiple team executives at the recent G League Showcase, with a few relaying word that Towns is unhappy in Minnesota.”
As usual, that sent NBA fans to ESPN’s Trade Machine to create deals that would work with the star center who signed a five-year $190 million super-max extension with the franchise in 2018 (which makes trading for him extremely tough).
Here’s what they came up with:
1. Towns joins the Splash Brothers
@SportingLogical Would love to get your thoughts on this trade. GS would also throw in their first, which I would expect them not to use. Logjam in the backcourt is solved for GS, both teams get a player at a position of need and a young piece. KAT also helps GS bridge out (1/2) pic.twitter.com/eHQaUhenA0
— Bryce Newsom (@prophetosis22) January 1, 2020
D’Angelo Russell’s contract is probably the best in terms of fit when trying to salary match with Towns’ mega-deal. So this makes a lot of sense.
2. Towns to the Big Apple
Here is too me a gd potential deal along with three 1st & at least 1 2nd rd pick this yr's 1st will be top 2 protected… pic.twitter.com/OOPigsfAHL
— Brutus Gorum (@Btruetolife) December 26, 2019
A reminder that Towns is a New Jersey native, so he might be excited to play across the river?
3. KAT to the Big Easy
Crazy thought #453, New Orleans trades for KAT using lakers as a third team and removing all protections on picks and awarding pels with 3 first rounders, 2020, 2021 and 2023. Obviously issue is roster spots for twelves. pic.twitter.com/3vee0lJikR
— jdit05 (@jdit05) December 31, 2019
Towns and Zion Williamson together is mouth-watering … but is that the best return for the T-Wolves? I don’t think so.
4. Towns to the Suns
Here's my hypothetical trade for the Suns to get KAT. pic.twitter.com/V2oAEbPxmg
— Karim Alammuri (@Radio_Reem) December 31, 2019
I certainly think I’d rather have Towns than Deandre Ayton.
5. Towns to the Suns, Part II
If Towns is available, would you trade for him?
I was thinking something like this, but probably need to add a draft pick or two… Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/ho2Ee6MwYW
— Dan (@MtnAdventure14) December 27, 2019
And the Suns get Robert Covington too!
6. The Pacers get Towns
This is the best I could come up with. They would definitely use any trade of KAT to dump Teague's salary. I dont think either tame takes this trade. pic.twitter.com/uFoBM3vH38
— Mark Crandley (@mcrandley) December 30, 2019
You’re pulling the plug on Domantas Sabonis, but unloading some long-term deals. I like this one a lot.
7. The Celtics get KAT
Add a first round pick or two who says no pic.twitter.com/5f3sRWE5mG
— J (@pats2187) December 26, 2019
Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart and Karl-Anthony Towns. Wow.
8. Russell Westbrook for Towns
@LockedOnWolves @LockedOnRockets
Would you trade Westbrook and Capela for Towns, Covington, Teague, and Layman? Probably n Ed to add a few picks, but the numbers work… Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/YD1tEU0SdU
— Dan (@MtnAdventure14) December 27, 2019
Oh my. This might break Twitter.
9. Andre Drummond for Towns
Another @espn #trademachine . This would be an extremely interesting trade for all teams. pic.twitter.com/ZwTnp0qn71
— Iampk (@The0riginalPK) December 31, 2019
I’m intrigued.
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