Karl-Anthony Towns has been the subject of trade rumors over the past few weeks, but the Minnesota Timberwolves insist none of that talk has originated from within the organization. According to president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas, rival teams shouldn’t even bother calling the T-Wolves to ask about Towns.
Prior to Minnesota’s game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, Rosas told ESPN’s Eric Woodyard that the Timberwolves have zero interest in trading Towns.
“Karl-Anthony Towns is as untouchable as they come,” Rosas said. “He’s the best player on our team and he’s the guy we’re building around. Everything we do is to help him become the best player and to help us become the best team we can be. He’s a special talent that we’re going to do anything possible to help him achieve his highest potential.”
Towns signed a five-year, $158 million max contract extension with Minnesota last offseason. He isn’t eligible to become a free agent until 2024, and Rosas’ comments coincidentally came a few hours before Towns scored 40 points in the loss to Chicago. He’s also just 24, so there is very little incentive for the Timberwolves to trade him.
Of course, players forcing their way to new teams has become commonplace in the modern NBA, and some rumors have indicated Towns is unhappy in Minnesota. The big man recently dismissed them, however, and there is very little chance he will be traded even with the Timberwolves just 15-29 on the season and fading from playoff contention.
