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Timberwolves’ All-Star on brink of trade – Could Golden State Warriors get involved?

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Chase Center on March 26, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Chase Center on March 26, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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With the NBA offseason nearly in full-swing, the potential of blockbuster trades inches closer and closer. While the Golden State Warriors have long been a franchise that trusts in its internal development, a state of uncertainty leaves an opportunity for something major to take place.

The 2022 NBA champions are far from the only team in a state of flux though, with a number of playoff teams facing crucial question marks. That includes the Minnesota Timberwolves who too are coming off a disappointing season amid a rising payroll.

The Minnesota Timberwolves could be on the brink of trading All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns – could the Golden State Warriors be involved?

According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the Timberwolves could accelerate a major shift by moving on from Karl-Anthony Towns sooner rather than later. The 2015 first overall pick has been an excellent player for Minnesota over his eight-year career, but has never taken the franchise any further than the first-round of the playoffs.

"“Some even believe Minnesota would jump at an opportunity (of trading Towns) in the next few weeks. The team’s most significant need is a point guard to replace Mike Conley, who was very good for the team after a deadline deal (also with the Jazz) but will be 36 before the start of next season”, Pincus wrote."

Karl-Anthony Towns celebrates after making the game-winning shot against the Golden State Warriors in March. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Karl-Anthony Towns celebrates after making the game-winning shot against the Golden State Warriors in March. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The Warriors could come to the party if the Timberwolves are in search of a point-guard, with Jordan Poole’s future well and truly a question mark after a disappointing end to the postseason. Theoretically, Golden State could center a Towns deal around Poole, Jonathan Kuminga and a raft of draft compensation.

Both teams are well-versed in swapping a point-guard for a former first overall pick, with the Warriors having sent D’Angelo Russell to the Timberwolves for Andrew Wiggins in a franchise-altering deal in 2019. A potential Towns trade could reunite he and Wiggins after they were the face of Minnesota together for nearly five seasons.

Towns went through an injury-interrupted 2022-23 campaign, playing just 29 regular season games amid a rough fit with the newly-acquired Rudy Gobert. The three-time All-Star would undoubtedly add an intriguing offensive weapon to Golden State’s arsenal, and his defensive flaws could be better hidden by the versatility and brilliance of Draymond Green.

Next. Ranking 3 free agent forwards the Golden State Warriors could target. dark

While both teams could do with balancing out their rosters by exchanging a guard for a big, any potential Towns and Poole trades may be more about shedding salary to reduce growing luxury tax bills. The duo being traded for each other wouldn’t achieve that measure, though it could prove a win-win for all parties involved.

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