Karl-Anthony Towns Rumors: NBA Exec Predicts T-Wolves Trade Star in 2024 Offseason

While the Minnesota Timberwolves are in the midst of an impressive 2023-24 campaign, the franchise is likely going to have to reshuffle its roster this summer to avoid a hefty luxury tax bill.

Players like Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert are seemingly off the table in trade discussions, which leaves Karl-Anthony Towns as the most valuable asset on the chopping block.

One NBA executive told The Ringer's Howard Beck that he believes Towns will be traded following the 2023-24 campaign.

"I think it happens this summer," said one Western Conference executive.

An Eastern Conference executive added: "How much tax are they going to pay when [Anthony Edwards's] extension kicks in and KAT's extension jumps?"

Towns has long been a rumored trade candidate for Minnesota as his four-year, $224 million contract extension kicks in next season.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported in November that the consensus among NBA executives is that Towns "could be the most likely member of the core traded" if the Timberwolves suffer an early playoff exit this year.

The four-time All-Star has also appeared to generate plenty of interest from the New York Knicks over the last several months.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported in October that the Knicks were "monitoring" the trade status of Towns, and New York head coach Tom Thibodeau is a big fan of the Kentucky product, saying he is "as gifted as they come."

The Athletic's Fred Katz also reported in December that the Knicks "checked in" on Towns, though they did not make an offer for the veteran.

However, The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania reported last month on FanDuel TV that the Knicks are "always going to have interest in" acquiring Towns if the Timberwolves make him available.

That said, the Knicks could potentially be among Towns' top suitors this summer as they aim to add more star power to a lineup that includes Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby.

While it's easy to get caught up in trade rumors, Towns will keep his focus on helping the Timberwolves reach the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.

Towns has played an important role in the Minnesota lineup alongside Edwards and Gobert this season, averaging 22.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 53 games while shooting 51.6 percent from the floor and 43.6 percent from deep.

The Timberwolves sit first in the Western Conference with a 38-16 record, holding a one-game lead over the second-place Oklahoma City Thunder.