**The Official Karl-Anthony Towns Thread: Part Two**

[Klomp]

Begley (Knicks reporter): "There were talks between the Timberwolves and other teams before the draft, and Towns' name came up. I don't know how aggressive the Timberwolves were with Towns - if at all - but the Knicks could have gone there as well and they clearly have decided not to go there at this point."

Zach Lowe: I find myself torn on KAT. I can't quite quit KAT. I'm not sure how serious Minnesota was...I don't know what really happened with KAT around the draft. We all can look at the cap sheet and look at how many big men they have and look at their level of team success last year and understand that this is really their only way out of the Gobert trade is trading KAT...we've been saying that since 5 minutes after the Gobert trade happened. I can't quit him because of the offensive skill set is so prodigious. He did finish the playoffs in fairly strong form in Minnesota's last 3 games after some stinkos in the first two games...maybe he turned a little bit of a playoff corner. I also do feel like he's going to be - if and when he gets traded - potential change of scenery, get the Minnesota baggage off his back, get him with a guard who is maybe a better fit for him, I think there's some change of scenery potential on him. On the other hand, every time he opens his mouth on a podcast....OMG can you start denying the appearances, just don't go on the podcast. The playoff track record is what it is, the defense is what it is. I said to you on a podcast a few months ago I'm not sure he's the guy I would throw all my chips in for, and now he's sort of...if I'm the Knicks, he's the one I'm like: Who's the one that's better than him that might be coming down the pike, he's the benchmark. I guess that means I'm still not putting all my chips in for him quite yet, and I want to see what pops up. Is that fair or are they gung-ho for him?

Begley: What I had heard was some people felt the salary was too onerous, at least at this point - this was a couple weeks ago - they felt that the salary was going to hurt them later in his deal. But listen, I think obviously the dynamic can change at the drop of a dime. I do think though that if they loved the idea of Towns, they could've had him. That's my read of the landscape in general, so I think that tells you they don't see him as the ultimate fix for everything or the player to take them to the next step no questions asked. I think there are questions there. But I think you have to see now even if you're slightly interested Towns, I think you have to see how this develops into the trade deadline. If Minnesota struggles, I think they're almost backed into a corner at that point where they have to make a big move whether at the deadline or at the end of the season, because how much longer can you let the Towns-Gobert-Naz Reid experiment play out without success?

Watch on YouTube

[Klomp]

Whenever Towns is ultimately traded, I think it will likely have to be somewhere with another stud they are building around. I don't think Towns can be a centerpiece, so that likely removes New York.

Brooklyn with Bridges
OKC with SGA and Holmgren
San Antonio with Victor
Dallas with Luka or Kyrie
LAC with PG
Chicago with Zach

These are teams that either are adding him to guys on rookie deals or markets where the owners have been willing to open the checkbook for stars. These are the types of situations I foresee as attractive destinations for Towns.

[TimberKat]

Begley (Knicks reporter): "There were talks between the Timberwolves and other teams before the draft, and Towns' name came up. I don't know how aggressive the Timberwolves were with Towns - if at all - but the Knicks could have gone there as well and they clearly have decided not to go there at this point."

Zach Lowe: I find myself torn on KAT. I can't quite quit KAT. I'm not sure how serious Minnesota was...I don't know what really happened with KAT around the draft. We all can look at the cap sheet and look at how many big men they have and look at their level of team success last year and understand that this is really their only way out of the Gobert trade is trading KAT...we've been saying that since 5 minutes after the Gobert trade happened. I can't quit him because of the offensive skill set is so prodigious. He did finish the playoffs in fairly strong form in Minnesota's last 3 games after some stinkos in the first two games...maybe he turned a little bit of a playoff corner. I also do feel like he's going to be - if and when he gets traded - potential change of scenery, get the Minnesota baggage off his back, get him with a guard who is maybe a better fit for him, I think there's some change of scenery potential on him. On the other hand, every time he opens his mouth on a podcast....OMG can you start denying the appearances, just don't go on the podcast. The playoff track record is what it is, the defense is what it is. I said to you on a podcast a few months ago I'm not sure he's the guy I would throw all my chips in for, and now he's sort of...if I'm the Knicks, he's the one I'm like: Who's the one that's better than him that might be coming down the pike, he's the benchmark. I guess that means I'm still not putting all my chips in for him quite yet, and I want to see what pops up. Is that fair or are they gung-ho for him?

Begley: What I had heard was some people felt the salary was too onerous, at least at this point - this was a couple weeks ago - they felt that the salary was going to hurt them later in his deal. But listen, I think obviously the dynamic can change at the drop of a dime. I do think though that if they loved the idea of Towns, they could've had him. That's my read of the landscape in general, so I think that tells you they don't see him as the ultimate fix for everything or the player to take them to the next step no questions asked. I think there are questions there. But I think you have to see now even if you're slightly interested Towns, I think you have to see how this develops into the trade deadline. If Minnesota struggles, I think they're almost backed into a corner at that point where they have to make a big move whether at the deadline or at the end of the season, because how much longer can you let the Towns-Gobert-Naz Reid experiment play out without success?

Much ado about nothing. Two guys doing pipe dream. How many games Towns-Gobert-Naz played together?

[Klomp]

How many games Towns-Gobert-Naz played together?

A total of 17 games, but never more than a 4-game chunk at a time....

Games
2-5
7-9
15-17
19-21
74-75
77

[cmoss84]

[quote="Klomp"]Whenever Towns is ultimately traded, I think it will likely have to be somewhere with another stud they are building around. I don't think Towns can be a centerpiece, so that likely removes New York.

Brooklyn with Bridges
OKC with SGA and Holmgren
San Antonio with Victor
Dallas with Luka or Kyrie
LAC with PG
Chicago with Zach

This is a really good list, but I see Portland as a top option as well. Almost as though they are playing chicken with us...with them being in a nightmare position with Lillard and us being in a "unique" situation all the way around.

[KGdaBom]

TIL Zach Lowe is a Knicks reporter

TIl Ian Begley is Zach Lowe

Zach Lowe reiterated it.

Some of you are going to be very disappointed with the return KAT gets when he's traded.

If that's the case then hopefully he's not traded. I think if KAT is traded it will be for a king's ransom as most GMs around the league would kill to get him.

[KGdaBom]

Begley (Knicks reporter): "There were talks between the Timberwolves and other teams before the draft, and Towns' name came up. I don't know how aggressive the Timberwolves were with Towns - if at all - but the Knicks could have gone there as well and they clearly have decided not to go there at this point."

Zach Lowe: I find myself torn on KAT. I can't quite quit KAT. I'm not sure how serious Minnesota was...I don't know what really happened with KAT around the draft. We all can look at the cap sheet and look at how many big men they have and look at their level of team success last year and understand that this is really their only way out of the Gobert trade is trading KAT...we've been saying that since 5 minutes after the Gobert trade happened. I can't quit him because of the offensive skill set is so prodigious. He did finish the playoffs in fairly strong form in Minnesota's last 3 games after some stinkos in the first two games...maybe he turned a little bit of a playoff corner. I also do feel like he's going to be - if and when he gets traded - potential change of scenery, get the Minnesota baggage off his back, get him with a guard who is maybe a better fit for him, I think there's some change of scenery potential on him. On the other hand, every time he opens his mouth on a podcast....OMG can you start denying the appearances, just don't go on the podcast. The playoff track record is what it is, the defense is what it is. I said to you on a podcast a few months ago I'm not sure he's the guy I would throw all my chips in for, and now he's sort of...if I'm the Knicks, he's the one I'm like: Who's the one that's better than him that might be coming down the pike, he's the benchmark. I guess that means I'm still not putting all my chips in for him quite yet, and I want to see what pops up. Is that fair or are they gung-ho for him?

Begley: What I had heard was some people felt the salary was too onerous, at least at this point - this was a couple weeks ago - they felt that the salary was going to hurt them later in his deal. But listen, I think obviously the dynamic can change at the drop of a dime. I do think though that if they loved the idea of Towns, they could've had him. That's my read of the landscape in general, so I think that tells you they don't see him as the ultimate fix for everything or the player to take them to the next step no questions asked. I think there are questions there. But I think you have to see now even if you're slightly interested Towns, I think you have to see how this develops into the trade deadline. If Minnesota struggles, I think they're almost backed into a corner at that point where they have to make a big move whether at the deadline or at the end of the season, because how much longer can you let the Towns-Gobert-Naz Reid experiment play out without success?

Watch on YouTube

Why do we give a rat's ass whether Begley thinks the Knicks could have acquired KAT?

[KGdaBom]

Whenever Towns is ultimately traded, I think it will likely have to be somewhere with another stud they are building around. I don't think Towns can be a centerpiece, so that likely removes New York.

Brooklyn with Bridges
OKC with SGA and Holmgren
San Antonio with Victor
Dallas with Luka or Kyrie
LAC with PG
Chicago with Zach

These are teams that either are adding him to guys on rookie deals or markets where the owners have been willing to open the checkbook for stars. These are the types of situations I foresee as attractive destinations for Towns.

I don't believe KAT will ultimately be traded. His best destination is Minnesota.

[KGdaBom]

Has it been 2 weeks yet since the declaration of Towns being traded in the next two weeks was beyond obvious and anybody with half a brain knows it?

[jpatrick]

The statement was pretty vague but on the Ringer’s basketball pod, they said when they talked to the reporters that covered MN during summer league, every single one said it’s not if they trade Towns, it’s when.

They didn’t get into specifics, but I didn’t take that as meaning definitely before the season. I think it just meant in the next year. I’d bet significant money that KAT isn’t on the opening day 2024 roster, largely due to that contract.

[Slim Tubby]

Has it been 2 weeks yet since the declaration of Towns being traded in the next two weeks was beyond obvious and anybody with half a brain knows it?

None of us are NBA experts but we all play one on TV after spending the night at a Holiday Inn.

Connelly has done a masterful job of crafting this roster to add depth and stay under the luxury cap for the 2023-24 season. He should be lauded. After this season, unless ownership agrees to pay a hefty tax bill, at least one (1) large salary will need to be moved.

My guess is that it will be Gobert. He will only be 32 yet still four (4) years older than KAT and have 2/$90M left on his deal with the second year being a PO. He will be seeking one last substantial long-term contract meaning he will opt out of the second year and become a VERY tradable asset.

For proper credit, this concept was first mentioned by Klomp in a previous post and inexplicably dismissed. The real question...what will we do if the Gobert-KAT connection actually works? Wrap your head around that perplexing scenario for a minute.

[KGdaBom]

The statement was pretty vague but on the Ringer’s basketball pod, they said when they talked to the reporters that covered MN during summer league, every single one said it’s not if they trade Towns, it’s when.

They didn’t get into specifics, but I didn’t take that as meaning definitely before the season. I think it just meant in the next year. I’d bet significant money that KAT isn’t on the opening day 2024 roster, largely due to that contract.

Were you the person who thought it was beyond obvious? Whoever it was said it should happen within the next two weeks.
I'm sure you can bet significant money on that somewhere. However, if it's such a certainty you probably have to bet $100 to win $10. I think I'll bet the other side. KAT stays and I bet $100 to win $1000.

[KGdaBom]

Has it been 2 weeks yet since the declaration of Towns being traded in the next two weeks was beyond obvious and anybody with half a brain knows it?

None of us are NBA experts but we all play one on TV after spending the night at a Holiday Inn.

Connelly has done a masterful job of crafting this roster to add depth and stay under the luxury cap for the 2023-24 season. He should be lauded. After this season, unless ownership agrees to pay a hefty tax bill, at least one (1) large salary will need to be moved.

My guess is that it will be Gobert. He will only be 32 yet still four (4) years older than KAT and have 2/$90M left on his deal with the second year being a PO. He will be seeking one last substantial long-term contract meaning he will opt out of the second year and become a VERY tradable asset.

For proper credit, this concept was first mentioned by Klomp in a previous post and inexplicably dismissed. The real question...what will we do if the Gobert-KAT connection actually works? Wrap your head around that perplexing scenario for a minute.

I expect it to work. It's not very perplexing to me.

[TimberKat]

Has it been 2 weeks yet since the declaration of Towns being traded in the next two weeks was beyond obvious and anybody with half a brain knows it?

None of us are NBA experts but we all play one on TV after spending the night at a Holiday Inn.

Connelly has done a masterful job of crafting this roster to add depth and stay under the luxury cap for the 2023-24 season. He should be lauded. After this season, unless ownership agrees to pay a hefty tax bill, at least one (1) large salary will need to be moved.

My guess is that it will be Gobert. He will only be 32 yet still four (4) years older than KAT and have 2/$90M left on his deal with the second year being a PO. He will be seeking one last substantial long-term contract meaning he will opt out of the second year and become a VERY tradable asset.

For proper credit, this concept was first mentioned by Klomp in a previous post and inexplicably dismissed. The real question...what will we do if the Gobert-KAT connection actually works? Wrap your head around that perplexing scenario for a minute.

I think that is what the Wolves are set for right now. Play the year out and see how the big 3 combo work, how Ant and JMcD progress, can anyone step up to take point, is Ant supermax, who's contract option do we pick up and is Luka available? We have so many expiring and options to choose from. If we do well, I can see ARod pickup the tax bill. After all, he is used to big contracts. We should really be talking about how much it cost to sign JMcD.

[jpatrick]

The statement was pretty vague but on the Ringer’s basketball pod, they said when they talked to the reporters that covered MN during summer league, every single one said it’s not if they trade Towns, it’s when.

They didn’t get into specifics, but I didn’t take that as meaning definitely before the season. I think it just meant in the next year. I’d bet significant money that KAT isn’t on the opening day 2024 roster, largely due to that contract.

Were you the person who thought it was beyond obvious? Whoever it was said it should happen within the next two weeks.
I'm sure you can bet significant money on that somewhere. However, if it's such a certainty you probably have to bet $100 to win $10. I think I'll bet the other side. KAT stays and I bet $100 to win $1000.

I was not. I only expected KAT to be moved this offseason if we could have gotten a player with a rookie contract with star potential (see Henderson, Scoot). But my guess is he’s moved at the deadline if we’re struggling or next offseason unless we make a huge run in the playoffs.

[Slim Tubby]

Has it been 2 weeks yet since the declaration of Towns being traded in the next two weeks was beyond obvious and anybody with half a brain knows it?

None of us are NBA experts but we all play one on TV after spending the night at a Holiday Inn.

Connelly has done a masterful job of crafting this roster to add depth and stay under the luxury cap for the 2023-24 season. He should be lauded. After this season, unless ownership agrees to pay a hefty tax bill, at least one (1) large salary will need to be moved.

My guess is that it will be Gobert. He will only be 32 yet still four (4) years older than KAT and have 2/$90M left on his deal with the second year being a PO. He will be seeking one last substantial long-term contract meaning he will opt out of the second year and become a VERY tradable asset.

For proper credit, this concept was first mentioned by Klomp in a previous post and inexplicably dismissed. The real question...what will we do if the Gobert-KAT connection actually works? Wrap your head around that perplexing scenario for a minute.

I expect it to work. It's not very perplexing to me.

I certainly hope you're right! The perplexing part to me is what they do salary and roster wise if it does indeed work.

[urinesane]

Ownership, Finch, and this roster want to WIN (especially Ant). Every single proposed trade of KAT undermines that goal by bringing back assets that either don't move the needle or set the timeline for winning (i.e. getting to the 2nd round) back at least a season or two (if not three). Connelly has said that the goal is to get past the first round, so that is where their sights are set. Unless a team makes an offer that isn't just mid level pieces and future FRPs, KAT isn't going anywhere this offseason.

I for one am glad that they aren't looking to kick the can down the road again by trading KAT for pennies on the dollar, because they already have the future stars ON THE ROSTER and two current stars in Gobert and KAT. Trading a current star for a "potential future star" is a terrible move, especially if it's just to save some money in the future. If this team is a winner, revenue will go up (as well as the value of the franchise) and as just mentioned Gobert is older, so it makes more sense on the current Ant timeline to move him when the time comes rather than KAT.

Trading Gobert down the line makes the most sense since you can find a defensive minded center easier than a unicorn (KAT) of a center that is so versatile on offense (and not nearly as bad on defense as his critics would have you believe).

Running it back is the only choice that makes sense for their stated goals.

[KGdaBom]

Ownership, Finch, and this roster want to WIN (especially Ant). Every single proposed trade of KAT undermines that goal by bringing back assets that either don't move the needle or set the timeline for winning (i.e. getting to the 2nd round) back at least a season or two (if not three). Connelly has said that the goal is to get past the first round, so that is where their sights are set. Unless a team makes an offer that isn't just mid level pieces and future FRPs, KAT isn't going anywhere this offseason.

I for one am glad that they aren't looking to kick the can down the road again by trading KAT for pennies on the dollar, because they already have the future stars ON THE ROSTER and two current stars in Gobert and KAT. Trading a current star for a "potential future star" is a terrible move, especially if it's just to save some money in the future. If this team is a winner, revenue will go up (as well as the value of the franchise) and as just mentioned Gobert is older, so it makes more sense on the current Ant timeline to move him when the time comes rather than KAT.

Trading Gobert down the line makes the most sense since you can find a defensive minded center easier than a unicorn (KAT) of a center that is so versatile on offense (and not nearly as bad on defense as his critics would have you believe).

Running it back is the only choice that makes sense for their stated goals.

posolutely, absitively the way to go.

[twolves31]

Ownership, Finch, and this roster want to WIN (especially Ant). Every single proposed trade of KAT undermines that goal by bringing back assets that either don't move the needle or set the timeline for winning (i.e. getting to the 2nd round) back at least a season or two (if not three). Connelly has said that the goal is to get past the first round, so that is where their sights are set. Unless a team makes an offer that isn't just mid level pieces and future FRPs, KAT isn't going anywhere this offseason.

I for one am glad that they aren't looking to kick the can down the road again by trading KAT for pennies on the dollar, because they already have the future stars ON THE ROSTER and two current stars in Gobert and KAT. Trading a current star for a "potential future star" is a terrible move, especially if it's just to save some money in the future. If this team is a winner, revenue will go up (as well as the value of the franchise) and as just mentioned Gobert is older, so it makes more sense on the current Ant timeline to move him when the time comes rather than KAT.

Trading Gobert down the line makes the most sense since you can find a defensive minded center easier than a unicorn (KAT) of a center that is so versatile on offense (and not nearly as bad on defense as his critics would have you believe).

Running it back is the only choice that makes sense for their stated goals.

I do think Ant, Jaden and Reid continuing to get better and develop new skills can get you to the 2nd round with Gobert. We pretty much made the play-in last season without Kat and our core young three getting better is only going to improve the team. Hell had we beaten LA, we may have made the 2nd round or further this past season. Most of the proposed trades on here for KAT are terrible and I wouldn't touch, but there are realistic returns that I think you have to consider if they present themselves.

[younggunsmn]

My guess is that it will be Gobert. He will only be 32 yet still four (4) years older than KAT and have 2/$90M left on his deal with the second year being a PO. He will be seeking one last substantial long-term contract meaning he will opt out of the second year and become a VERY tradable asset.

How many significant assets are you sending out with Gobert to get off of that contract? 2/91 and 32 years old.
I think some are still stuck on the idea of prime peak value DPOY Gobert versus reality of a 30+ 7'2" big man playing a reduced role here compared to those Utah years.
He would need a DPOY type season again to move his trade value back into positive territory, and even that is marginal when his contract is taken into account.
And if that happens, you are probably running that team back.

There is no way on god's green earth he turns down 47 million dollars as a 33 year old, he will never touch that kind of money again.
A player with similar value and age in Vucevic just re-signed for 3 years and 60 million, less than half what Rudy is owed over the same period.

We would have our own '31 1st to trade next summer and pickswaps in '24,'28,and '30.
You want to add more picks to the original Gobert trade to get off of his contract?
Best case, we take on a highly negative contract or 2 for 20-25 million total to a team with the room and willingness to absorb his 2/90 remaining next summer.
Players so negative they are getting DNP-CD'd or out for the year with injuries (Lonzo Ball for example), and whatever team is taking Gobert is getting draft capital from the team(s) dumping said contracts.

Example:
To Min: Lonzo Ball + 25 mil cap space
To Was: Gobert + 1st round pick (s) from Chicago absorbed using cap space
To Chi: Salary/Tax relief for Lonzo Ball

Not saying that would work or is even feasible, just that is one kind of framework for sending out Gobert without attaching assets.
That's the reason the talking heads are speculating more on KAT getting moved rather than Gobert, because KAT could potentially be moved for positive value.
Although it sounds like his gigantic supermax extension is making teams hesitant about making realistic offers.

For what it's worth, I think we are stuck with Gobert for the next 3 years, and best case we get the owners to pay 30 million in luxury taxes each year in '24 and '25. We are just going to have to try to make it work on the court and hope he can develop some chemistry with Ant and be a difference maker and we have a super expensive roleplayer splitting time with Naz.

KAT, if he is traded, I hope it is for value/fit and not because of salary concerns.
His contract will have concerns beyond the Gobert timeline ( which is the next 3 years), as he will be making 60 million+ the first 2 years post-Gobert, when Ant and Jaden will be entering their primes.
I would look at this as our 2nd window, and if we do trade KAT, one of my primary objectives would be to add a big or PG who fits into that window. Maybe that guy isn't in even in the league yet, which is an argument for waiting.

Worst case, mandate comes down from ownership next summer regarding cutting salary for tax concerns.
Trading KAT/Naz/Jaden is the only realistic way to do that.