CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 13: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a foul call during the first half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on May 13, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves Linked to Wild Blockbuster Darius Garland Trade Deal With Cleveland Cavaliers…
Though Karl-Anthony Towns had a respectable season, the Minnesota Timberwolves would be better off dealing him.
Following a disappointing Western Conference Finals exit to the lower-seeded Dallas Mavericks and a looming $273 million payroll, anything short of a NBA Finals trip next season would be a letdown for Minnesota.
To reach the next stage, the Timberwolves must improve, as the margin for error is thin when trying to represent the loaded Western Conference. Towns (21.8 PPG and 8.3 RPG in 2023-24) decreases this margin, particularly in the playoffs.
Through 32 career playoff games, Towns has averaged 18.8 PPG on 46.8% shooting from the field compared to his career averages of 22.9 PPG on 52.4% shooting from the field.
Besides the offensive drop-off come playoff time, Towns is a liability due to his propensity to foul, often putting his team in tough spots. In nine of his 16 playoff games this spring, the big man had four or more fouls.
