There's a number of boxes becoming ticked that could lead the Golden State Warriors to a move for New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns in the next 12 months.
The Warriors have had interest in the past, have an uncertain center situation with Kristaps Porzingis' latest illness, and have been mentioned as a possible suitor for Towns now amid his contract drama with the Knicks.
But the Warriors also have another interesting recruiting angle. They now have two players on the team with Dominican heritage in Al Horford and 11th overall pick Yaxel Lendeborg, and could potentially make it three if they're able to acquire Towns in a trade or via free agency next year.
Dominican connection gives Warriors' Karl-Anthony Towns recruiting angle
The chance of playing with his fellow Dominicans isn't necessarily going to be top of mind for Towns, but it may play a minor role if the All-Star center is forced to consider his options after being left "disappointed" by the Knicks tabling contract talks entering the season.
Horford notably welcomed Lendeborg by stating "Bienvenido (welcome) Yaxel" on social media after the Warriors selected him at June's NBA Draft. Towns, meanwhile, has spoken of pride in his Dominican heritage, including receiving a phone call from the country's President after winning the championship with the Knicks in June.
Less than half of Golden State's team have contracts for the 2027-28 season, but Lendeborg and Horford are two of them, albeit the latter holds a $7.2 million player option. That means Towns could foreseeably expect to play with both were he to join the Warriors in the next 12 months.
Lendeborg and Horford have already taken transitioned their off-court connection to the hardwood, with the young forward finding his veteran teammate for multiple pick-and-pop threes during Friday's final preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Warriors once again linked to Karl-Anthony Towns
Golden State explored a trade for Towns when he was a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves two years ago, according to insider Anthony Slater. They've now been listed by ESPN's Brian Windhorst as one of three teams who could have interest in Towns if he hits free agency.
"If Towns isn't extended, he could opt out and enter free agency. There definitely are teams -- starting with the Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers and Atlanta Hawks-- that would probably line up to make big offers," Windhorst wrote.
The Warriors could also trade for Towns if the Knicks don't want to lose him in free agency for nothing, though that would all but certainly require parting ways with Jimmy Butler and future draft capital in a deal.
Add us as a preferred source on Google