Why the Warriors should target superstar Karl-Anthony Towns

Superstar Karl-Anthony Towns is reportedly unhappy in Minnesota. This makes him the one player the Golden State Warriors should target via trade.

The 2019-2020 NBA season has been difficult for fans of the Golden State Warriors. After making the NBA Finals in each of the past five seasons, the Warriors now find themselves in unfamiliar territory.

The team currently resides as the second-worst team in the NBA with a 9-25 record.

While many expected the team to feel the effects of Kevin Durant’s departure last offseason, many still predicted that the dynastic team would still be a championship contender.

However, injuries to former MVP Stephen Curry and superstar Klay Thompson have proven to be too much for the franchise to overcome.

With the team now setting their sights on a high pick in the draft lottery, Golden State has an opportunity to take advantage of a part of the season they have largely ignored in the past — the trade deadline.

While the team is reportedly open to dealing role players like Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III, there has also been speculation that the team may look to add another star to their roster.

In fact, recent reports suggest that the Warriors are monitoring one player in particular — perennial MVP candidate Karl-Anthony Towns.

Here are the top reasons why the Warriors should make acquiring the Timberwolves’ phenom their top priority (and what a deal might cost them).

The Talent

Towns represents a truly rare combination in the NBA — a young and infinitely talented star. The 24-year-old is currently averaging 26.5 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. His career .396 three-point shooting percentage also makes him the ideal big-man for the modern NBA.

Sports Illustrated recently ranked the Minnesota center as the 13th best player in the NBA. CBS Sports placed him at 11th in the league.

In just five seasons at the NBA level, the former No. 1 draft pick (2015) has already been named to two All-Star teams and been named the Rookie of the Year. However, despite Towns’ stellar play, the Timberwolves have not been able to capitalize with overall success.

The team as averaged just 36 wins per season from 2015-2019, and currently have one of the worst records in the sport with 11 wins and 20 losses.

It’s the perfect storm for a top talent to move to the Bay Area.

The Fit

While the term “superteam” feels like it was retired from Warriors history the moment Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets, adding a player like Towns would recreate another potentially historic roster.

Curry is expected to make his return this season. Thompson’s 2019-2020 season may be lost, but he is projected to make a full recovery by the start of the following year.

The Warriors third All-Star, Draymond Green, is still bringing his trademark passion and elite defensive skills to the Chase Center on a nightly basis.

Imagine a world where Curry, Thompson, and Green join the same starting lineup and Towns. The later’s unique combination of size coupled with his excellent passing and shooting abilities, would fit perfectly in Steve Kerr‘s offense.

The tandem would undoubtedly place Golden State back in position to regain their championship form.

The Deal

While the Warriors’ poor play has been frustrating at times, the team seems to be in a perfect position to acquire a superstar caliber player. Their combination of young talent and the possibility of earning a top draft pick give the team a treasure trove of assets.

While Minnesota would understandably seek a king’s ransom for the franchise’s most valuable trade chip since future Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, the Warriors should be able to muster up an offer that lands them a seat at the discussion table.

The Timberwolves have already expressed serious interest in point guard D’Angelo Russell by attempting a sign-and-trade for the current Warriors point guard.

An offer that combined Russell with budding rookie Eric Paschall and the team’s 2020 lottery pick, would certainly be an intriguing starting point for Minnesota’s front office to consider.

It is also worth noting that Towns and Russell share a nearly identical $27 million annual cap hit. This would make a deal revolving around the two players highly feasible. Paschall’s minimal rookie contract could also be included in a successful deal without causing any financial constraints.

The Conclusion

Despite their sub par season, Warriors fans can sense that the team’s title window still remains open. The return of Curry, Thompson, and Green on the same court should immediately boost the team back into the Western Conference playoffs.

While the team has lost some key role players (such as Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston), the core from the franchise’s historic 73-win season still remains intact.

Teams like the Lakers, Clippers, Rockets, and Mavericks will make the west a difficult challenge. However, the acquisition of a talent like Towns would give the team the firepower it needs to continue their dynasty into the 2020s.

If sacrificing Russell, Paschall, and a package of draft picks gets the deal done, general manager Bob Myers should do everything in his power to bring Towns to San Francisco!