Should the Timberwolves Trade KAT?

        The Minnesota Timberwolves just had their most successful season in two decades. They won over 50 games this year, the first time doing that since the 2003-04 season. The Wolves won their first playoff series in twenty years, sweeping the Phoenix Suns who had Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal as a trio. They would dethrone the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the semi-finals after seven games, overcoming a 20-point deficit, the biggest in game seven history. 

        The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004 and were the favorites against the Dallas Mavericks. However, in the first three games of the series, they did not click as a team, especially on the defensive end which was their entire identity this year. Karl-Anthony Towns would be disastrous in the beginning. He shot 27.8 percent from the field and 13.6 percent from three-point range in games one through three. Towns' lack of production was arguably the biggest reason the Timberwolves found themselves in a 0-3 series deficit. 

        While Towns found an offensive rhythm in games four and five of the series, it was simply too late as the Mavericks closed the series in five and advanced to the NBA Finals. It's safe to say he hasn't lived up to expectations as a former number-one overall pick. While his offense is solid, he has not elevated the Timberwolves as the franchise had hoped. His leadership is similar to Kevin Durant's, he's not the voice and just lets his game do the leading which doesn't cut it most of the time. 

        In the summer of 2022, Towns signed a four-year, $221 million extension with Minnesota and his deal will begin to kick in next season. The franchise will have the offseason to analyze if they truly believe they can continue this winning trend with Towns. He's had his moments but they truly started finding success when Anthony Edwards arrived. With a bunch of stars looking available this offseason such as Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Zach LaVine, Darius Garland, and Donovan Mitchell, they could use Towns in any potential deal. He's been linked to the Knicks for a few seasons now and they have tons of great players and picks but Minnesota has a long summer ahead of them to make some serious decisions.

        It is clear that Edwards is the face of the franchise and the roster will be constructed around him. He's arguably made a bigger impact on the franchise in just four years than Towns in his entire career so far. The Timberwolves have to maximize their opportunity with such a talented player like Edwards who could be a potential MVP candidate later in his young career. He's a great leader, holds his teammates and himself accountable, and plays great defense. If trading Towns is what can help elevate the team and provide more help for Edwards, especially in the postseason, while it is a tough business decision they can't afford another mediocre season with one of the brightest upcoming players in the league.