Zach Buckley from Bleacher Report suggested a significant offseason trade between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns involving Karl-Anthony Towns.
The proposed trade includes the Timberwolves sending Karl-Anthony Towns, along with the No. 27 and No. 37 picks, to the Suns in exchange for Kevin Durant.
“Would Minnesota consider a challenge trade? Durant is more expensive now but doesn’t have the same long-term costs,” Buckley wrote. “He’s more proven on the biggest stage, more versatile defensively, and better at creating shots. Plus, Anthony Edwards would likely enjoy playing alongside his ‘favorite player of all time.’
“For the Suns, this trade could create some flexibility. The Durant-Devin Booker-Bradley Beal trio has its limitations, and this trade would provide additional assets to improve the roster, which is currently over the second apron. They might also extend their competitive window by swapping the 35-year-old Durant for the 28-year-old Towns, who has expressed interest in reuniting with former Kentucky teammate Booker.”
Durant is set to earn $49.9 million next season and $53.3 million in 2025-26. This season, he averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists for the Suns, shooting 52.3% from the field, 41.3% from three-point range, and 85.6% from the free-throw line.
Towns will make $49.4 million next season. He averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists this season for the Timberwolves, shooting 50.4% from the field, 41.6% from three-point range, and 87.3% from the free-throw line.
The Timberwolves swept the Suns in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. Since leaving the Golden State Warriors, Durant has won only two playoff series and has been swept twice in the first round.
The Suns, who have the highest payroll in the NBA at $209 million and face a projected luxury tax penalty of $116 million, fired Frank Vogel after one season and hired Mike Budenholzer.
For the Timberwolves, trading either Towns or Rudy Gobert is necessary to avoid a massive luxury tax bill under the new CBA.
