5 Timberwolves at risk of being traded this summer
By Will Eudy
It has been nothing short of a dream season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Owning a 44-19 record and holding the top spot in the Western Conference, the Wolves may very well have their best shot at a championship ever.
The shocking news of Karl-Anthony Towns' meniscus injury has put a damper on Minnesota's hopes for a deep playoff run, but there is still reason for optimism. Rudy Gobert has been playing like the best defensive anchor in the NBA this season, and Anthony Edwards' star power gives the Timberwolves a high ceiling regardless of who else is on the floor.
As we look ahead to the upcoming offseason, Minnesota will be in an interesting position. As they continue to build a championship contender, it is not a guarantee that they will be able to keep everyone around, no matter how much they may want to. These are five Timberwolves players that will be at risk of being traded this summer.
1. Karl-Anthony Towns
Let's go ahead and get the elephant in the room out of the way early. Karl-Anthony Towns' meniscus injury certainly complicates matters, but there was already no guarantee he would be sticking around in Minnesota beyond this summer to begin with.
Yes, we have heard the trade rumors of various NBA teams being interested in Towns for years, and most Timberwolves fans have probably tuned out the noise by now. But this time around, there are legitimate reasons for Minnesota to at least consider moving their star big man.
The first of which being his contract situation. KAT is making $36 million this year in the final year of his current contract, but next season will mark the first of his new, hefty extension. He will be getting paid $49.3 million in 2024-25, and the Timberwolves will owe him $61.1 million by 2027-28.
That is some big time financial implications to consider if you are Minnesota. The other biggest concern with Towns would be his age and injury situation. He will be 30 years old in 2025, and the team must consider how he fits into their timeline with them clearly desiring to build around Anthony Edwards.