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Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Karl-Anthony Towns' future with the Timberwolves looks uncertain

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 2/15/24

The Minnesota Timberwolves boast the best record in the Western Conference, as years of developing talent are finally starting to pay off. Anthony Edwards is proving himself to be a star of the future, and the double-big pairing of Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert is producing a stifling defense. They have all the pieces required to be a championship-level team.

However, the future of the franchise is a little less clear. Edwards is about to begin a five-year contract extension worth $204M. Towns also has a $221M deal kicking in during the summer. His deal with be worth $61M in 2028.

With so much money committed to two players, Minnesota might have to make a tough decision. According to a Western Conference executive who spoke with Howard Beck of The Ringer, that decision may come this summer. Towns is expected to be made available for trade.

"The Minnesota Timberwolves—now leading the West at 38-16—have soaring expectations and a soaring payroll that will almost certainly have to be reduced soon to avoid a massive luxury-tax bill under the new CBA. The most likely solution? A trade of Karl-Anthony Towns. “I think it happens this summer,” The executive told Beck. “How much tax are they going to pay when [Anthony Edwards’s] extension kicks in and KAT’s extension jumps?” said an Eastern Conference exec."

Towns will undoubtedly have a robust trade market. The New York Knicks will likely be at the front of the line. They've been linked with Towns for multiple years. They also have the draft assets to piece together an enticing package. However, a lot will depend on how the Timberwolves fair during the postseason.

It's hard to envision the front office breaking up the roster if they make it to the conference finals. After all, we've seen significant growth from the team this season. They feel like they're closing in on a potential run toward the NBA Finals. Nevertheless, the new CBA punishes teams that are expensively constructed. Minnesota is a small market. Something has to give sooner than later. Towns certainly make the most sense in that regard.

This season, Towns is averaging 22.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists. He's shooting 51.6% from the field and 43.6% from three-point range. He's going to command a significant trade package if and when he's finally made available. Towns may prefer a fresh start, where he can be the centerpiece of an offense.

Minnesota will want to remain competitive. Figuring out how to do that while losing one of the best big men in the NBA will be difficult. The Timberwolves are going to be an interesting watch over the next year or two as they navigate their growing payroll and desire to compete.

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