SUMMARY
- A fake Twitter account impersonating Adrian Wojnarowski spread a false rumor that Karl-Anthony Towns had requested a trade.
- While the fake trade request rumor lacks credibility, there is speculation that the Timberwolves might consider trading Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are ranked No. 1 in the Western Conference. The franchise has 36 wins and 16 losses while maintaining a 4-game winning streak. It’s worth noting that Karl Anthony Towns, the big man of the Wolves, is a versatile scorer. However, with the presence of Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley, the Wolves might just need Towns to be a good spacer.
Now, one player apart from Karl Anthony Towns can easily check all the boxes of an elite defender. Naz Reid is an elite floor spacer considering his height and build. This might tone down Towns’ dominance on the roster. Is that why the team made the decision to exclude the ‘Big KAT’ from their alternative group chat?
BREAKING: Karl-Anthony Towns has requested a trade after finding out his teammates are in a 2nd group chat without him, sources tell ESPN pic.twitter.com/yZMLZzuXGw
— Andre Wojnarowski (@wojdespn) February 19, 2024
It should be the norm to consider rumors about NBA players with a grain of salt. This statement holds even stronger ground when a fake account tries to gain traction through false information. An account, @Wojdespn, which apparently tried to copy the identity of NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, tried to spread false information about ‘Katmandu.’
The false account claimed that Karl Anthony Towns has demanded a trade after being aware of the fact that his teammates have a second group chat. And, apparently, Towns is not a part of that group chat. It’s worth noting that there is no information from ESPN or any other reputed source about the same. However, the part where the Wolves might be looking to trade Towns can be true.
Will the Minnesota Timberwolves trade Karl Anthony Towns this year?
The NBA league sets a salary cap for each team after every season to avoid major disparities between the teams. Franchises that exceed this salary cap have to bear the hefty costs of a luxury tax levied by the NBA. Now, although the ‘Blizzards’ are the frontrunner in the West, they might be looking towards reshuffling the roster.
NBA Exec Thinks Timberwolves Will Trade Karl-Anthony Towns This Summer https://t.co/aRbXXdLHiF
— Hoops Wire (@WireHoops) February 18, 2024
This might include trading some players to avoid the hefty luxury tax bill. Since the Wolves seem reluctant to trade Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, Towns seems to be the only option. On top of that, an NBA executive has told Howard Beck of The Ringer that Towns might be traded this summer.
According to Sportrac, Towns will be approaching his 4-year, $221,088,000 contract extension after the 2023–24 season. Although there is enough speculation about whether the big man will be traded or not, his blasting performance at the NBA All-Star Weekend was worth a look.
Karl Anthony Towns showcased his shooting prowess in his fourth All-Star appearance
‘KAT’ was listed as a reserve on the NBA All-Star list and was invited to clock minutes in the major East vs. West game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Karl recorded his fourth appearance as an NBA All-Star this season and scored 50 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. Furthermore, he scored 23-of-35 shot attempts and edged a successful count of 4-of-13 three-pointers.
Although Towns was not in the starting lineup, his 50-point performance helped him make history. The big man has now become the fourth player in league history to score 50 points in an All-Star game. The first position is backed by Jayson Tatum with 55 points; the second position is Anthony Davis with 52 points; and the third position is shooting guard Stephen Curry with 50 points.