The Minnesota Timberwolves face significant uncertainty as they approach the offseason. They are unsure who will be the majority owner when the 2024-25 season begins and whether Tim Connelly will continue as their president of basketball operations.
However, the primary focus this summer is on the roster rather than the executives. The key question is whether they will retain Karl-Anthony Towns or trade him to advance the team’s progress without the 7-foot star.
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One trade scenario considered is exchanging Karl-Anthony Towns for Kevin Durant. Darren “Doogie” Wolfson of KSTP discussed this possibility with former NBA GM and current ESPN roster/cap expert Bobby Marks. When asked if the Timberwolves could trade Towns this offseason, Marks dismissed the idea, explaining that it’s not feasible.
Marks pointed out that by July 1, 2024, ten NBA teams, including the Timberwolves, are expected to exceed the luxury tax threshold. This status imposes strict trade restrictions, such as the inability to aggregate salaries or take back more salary than is sent out. These rules make a direct Towns-for-Durant trade nearly impossible.
For the 2024-25 season, Spotrac.com projects several teams to be over the luxury tax threshold of $171.3 million, effectively creating a no-trade list for the Timberwolves. These teams include the Suns, Timberwolves, Celtics, Nuggets, Bucks, Heat, Lakers, Grizzlies, Mavericks, and Warriors.
Another suggested trade involving Towns for Trey Young was also deemed unlikely by Marks, even though the Hawks are not projected to be an apron team next season. Marks suggested the Oklahoma City Thunder as a more feasible trade partner, possibly involving Lou Dort.
The NBA imposes increasing penalties for teams that exceed the apron threshold for consecutive years, making it financially and strategically challenging to maintain such a status long-term.
Ultimately, due to these constraints and other factors, Marks believes the Timberwolves will likely stick with their current core group next season, whether by choice or lack of alternatives.