$172 Million Headache for Alex Rodriguez, as Anthony Edwards’ Teammate Tempted by Knicks Through Playoff ‘Audition’

Not since the early 2000s have the Minnesota Timberwolves been in line for contention. The absurd rise of Anthony Edwards along with the Wolves’ terrific core has placed them one step away from the NBA Finals. Moreover, it solidifies a unit that can compete for years to come given their youth. However, is it even possible to keep such a potent and talented core together for so long? If not, it could come at the cost of losing Karl-Anthony Towns.

Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up show, Alan Hahn revealed the New York Knicks are heavy favorites to lure Towns to the Big Apple next season. “Karl-Anthony Towns’ name has been linked to the Knicks in New York where I do my show for a while now because he is someone that has played for Tom Thibodeau, he a size element that if the Knicks are trying to get bigger”, said Hahn on Get Up.

Why would the Wolves need to disturb their ‘championship-worthy’ core? With several contract extensions set to begin next season, the Wolves could have a payroll of close to $200 million. The franchise will have to shed $172.4 million just in order to keep their top five players intact. The luxury tax for next season is suspected to be set at $172 million. Keeping their exact roster for a lengthier period would mean ample payments in luxury tax alone. According to CBS, the figure could stand at over $65 million if they were to preserve the current names on their team.

Hahn also mentioned that the viewers and watchers of his show didn’t like how Towns has played during their ongoing playoff run. This seems to have leaked into the franchise too. “There’s some concern about him and his future in Minnesota. Because this is like an audition for him. Are you the one to be next to Anthony Edwards to win a championship,” said Hahn.

In halting the sale to minority owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, Taylor suggested their plans to shrink their payroll would compromise the team’s larger goals of competing. It might indicate he is willing to face the burden of a luxury tax. However, Taylor isn’t regarded as a spendthrift. He has never paid the luxury tax since its introduction in 2011.

Additionally, Naz Reid, who is only making $14 million next season has outshined the ninth-year center on several occasions this season. If it comes down to a financial choice, Minnesota could decide on letting Towns walk to the other conference. If Towns ultimately flops during their playoff run, it might end up being his final season in Minnesota.

Karl-Anthony Towns needs to prove himself

Towns once had the keys to the Minnesota franchise before Edwards came along. He was a transcending talent coming in. As a 7-footer, Towns is amongst the better shooters in the NBA. Additionally, he can bully smaller defenders and finish with power on the inside like a traditional center. However, his skills haven’t materialized fully during their Wolves’ miraculous playoff run.

Towns is averaging just 18.5 points and 8.8 rebounds in the postseason while being the second option behind Ant. It’s drastically below his regular season output of 21.8 points. With the Wolves’ turnaround this season, the franchise demands consistency in order to amplify their chances of fighting for the title. Towns’ unstable nature doesn’t align with the future goals of the franchise.

However, he has shown spurts of brilliance that might compel the franchise to give him another season and take the luxury tax. In Game 4, when the season was on the line, Karl-Anthony Towns scored 24 points and knocked down clutch triples in the fourth quarter. As he and Anthony Edwards maintained their aggression, Dallas began to break.

Ultimately, that’s the tandem that struck fear in the hearts of opponents this season. Ant and KAT flourish when playing together, most importantly playing off one another. Their two-man game seems to hold the future of the Wolves. If the star duo bursts, the remaining components are encouraged to go beyond their thresholds.

This team is at the doorstep of a championship. Any minor adjustment could affect their viability. Do you think moving Towns takes them closer or farther away from competing in the future? Let us know in the comments below.