With Anthony Edwards taking over last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves came very close to reaching the mountaintop. How close? Well, they made their first Conference Finals appearance after twenty long years! Although they couldn’t win it all, last season’s success showed that they might be just one good move away from lifting the franchise’s first championship. And many believe that trading big man Karl-Anthony Towns in exchange for some assets could be that defining move.

However, veteran insider Chris Vernon broke down on The Ringer NBA Show how the Wolves can elevate without parting ways with the four-time All-Star despite the $52 million sword hanging over their head. “I do not look at this as a transaction team. I don’t look at this going they need to get better and they need to move KAT in order to get. I’d run it back.” Vernon remarked. Although the Wolves got eliminated in the West Finals, they finished the season as the third seed, falling only one win short of the top seed. So, they definitely have the talent to make it to the top with this roster, considering that Anthony Edwards is getting better every season.

Moreover, the Wolves acquired two extremely talented young stars in this year’s draft, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Rob Dillingham. And they could have a major impact on the team’s success next season. But what about the tax penalties? While most teams are trying their best to stay away from crossing the second apron of luxury tax due to the harsh penalties, the Wolves have total cap allocations of $241.8 million for next season, putting them well beyond the threshold. Moreover, with Ant and KAT’s new contracts kicking in this season, by the time Towns is eligible for free agency in three years, Edwards will be making $52.5 million in salary, leaving the franchise with no wiggle room for the future. But Vernon believes the Wolves will have improved a lot by that time and might even have won a title before the penalties kick in. “I would put the whole we need to make a trade way to the side. I don’t think this is a transaction team. I think this is an internal improvement team.” He added.

Can the rookies step up for the Timberwolves?

Amid the trade rumors, even the Wolves reportedly hope to hang on to KAT despite the tax implications. Maybe, they have realized that they might not require external assets to become title contenders because they have all the firepower they need. While they lost a key piece this summer in Kyle Anderson, the Wolves added college stars Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. through the draft. With an NIL valuation of $1.1 million, Rob became an instant superstar at Kentucky, averaging 15.2 points in his maiden season. More importantly, he shot a whopping 44.4% from three-point range, which is exactly what teams need in the modern NBA.

Meanwhile, Shannon is also a seasoned college veteran who spent five years playing at the highest level, three at Texas Tech and two at Illinois. During his senior year, the guard averaged 23 points and four rebounds. While most rookies don’t get much playing time in their first NBA season, the Wolves might test the two youngsters instantly because the team thrives on its youth. And even if one of them manages to shine, they could do wonders alongside the core of Ant, KAT, and Gobert. So, the Wolves might not have to trade Towns after all. Do you agree?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.