Ranking 4 lucrative trade packages for Warriors to deal Chris Paul for a star

Could the Warriors trade Chris Paul for Karl-Anthony Towns?

The Minnesota Timberwolves are barreling toward a financially untenable position, with three centers all making $90 million next season. The year after that, those three centers will make $110 million, while Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels come due for new contracts.

Therefore, trading Karl-Anthony Towns is going to be something of an imperative for the Minnesota front office. The problem is that he is going to be spectacularly expensive a year from now, which will depress his trade market. Here is an offer the Warriors could make:

The Timberwolves could use the backcourt help, and this trade helps to balance out their roster. Mike Conley and Chris Paul can fill the minutes at point-guard, Gary Payton II can join Edwards and McDaniels on the wing, and Kyle Anderson, Taurean Prince, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid will make up the frontcourt. That’s not a bad lineup, and with Paul’s deal expiring it will become financially viable the following summer.

Timberwolves fans may balk at what seems to be such a low offer for Towns, and Warriors fans may balk at paying such a steep price. Payton plays a vital role for Golden State, so moving him and Paul for a center who doesn’t protect the rim may fracture their defense.

On the other hand, Towns’ shooting ability would make him a deadly combination with Stephen Curry, and if any team has a power-forward who can insulate Towns’ defensive issue it’s Draymond Green. The Warriors aren’t going to make this deal, not when Towns has absolutely zero track record as a “16-game” player, but the offensive potential is intriguing.