7 Players Celtics might replace Kristaps Porzingis with by the trade deadline
By Tyler Watts
4. Karl-Anthony Towns
The Timberwolves are reaching a crossroads as Anthony Edwards becomes a superstar. Can they be serious title contenders with a Towns and Rudy Gobert frontcourt?
KAT’s injury limited him to 29 regular season games last season and did not give Minnesota a large enough sample to find out. Most teams are going away from dual big-man lineups. Can the Timberwolves buck the trend or is it time to split up Towns and Gobert?
KAT is more likely to be traded after Minnesota paid a massive price for Gobert in the summer of 2022. The Wolves cannot get anything close to what they gave up, and president Tim Connelly has no reason to take a loss. Towns is just starting a five-year $158.2 million extension, and the three-time All-Star’s unique skill set figures to draw plenty of interest.
KAT is an elite offensive weapon. The 6’11 big man can fly around screens and nail open shots, but his defense has declined nearly every year.
Can the Celtics build a contender with Karl-Anthony Towns at the five? His rim-protection and defending in space would have to improve. Boston would have an elite offense, and KAT would fit nicely into Joe Mazzulla’s game plan, but relying heavily on winning shootouts could undo the C’s in the playoffs.
Boston would be over the second tax apron and spending well into the luxury tax as Tatum and Brown’s new contacts kick in. Consider this move unlikely, but a true all-in push.