As rumors swirled about Karl-Anthony Towns’ discontentment with the Timberwolves, he attempted to quiet the storm by expressing his faith in Minnesota.
“This ain’t the circus like it used to be,” Towns said.
What a ringing endorsement.
But Minnesota clearly isn’t fazed by what sounded like – intentionally or not – one heck of a backhanded compliment.
Timberwolves president Gersson Rosas, via Eric Woodyard of ESPN:
Towns is very good. Very, very, good. His upside is incredible.
Minnesota should value him extremely highly. It’s difficult to land a young franchise player like him. I doubt another team would offer enough to justify parting with Towns.
He’s locked up until 2024. The Timberwolves have a long runway to build a winner around him.
But Minnesota has made the playoffs only once with Towns, and that was with Jimmy Butler leading the team. Towns looks happier losing without Butler than he did winning with Butler. There are real questions about Towns’ approach, especially defensively. This type of reverential treatment could exacerbate Towns’ bad habits.
On the flip side, Towns has reason to question the Timberwolves. They’ve been poorly run for years. Rosas hasn’t had much opportunity to put his stamp on the franchise, but problems trickle down from ownership.
For now, Minnesota’s best option is almost certainly continuing with Towns. That’s apparently Rosas’ plan.
Still, it’s easy to see this situation – a highly talented star who often leaves something to be desired and is in a small market – potentially trending toward either side or both sides eventually looking more seriously at a trade.
Just don’t expect the Timberwolves to go that direction any time soon.