The Minnesota Timberwolves came up short in their first-round NBA playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies while the Phoenix Suns are engaged in a 2-2 series tie with the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals.
If both teams fall short of an NBA title this season, it could be time for the franchises to change things up. Would a swap of star centers benefit both teams?
Karl-Anthony Towns joining Phoenix could elevate the team from contenders to certain favorites.
The Suns’ current center DeAndre Ayton does so much for the league’s top team on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Ayton provides elite rim protection combined with adequate foot speed to hang with smaller match-ups on a switch. On offense, Ayton is a solid screener, dynamite lob threat, and shows elite touch on hook shots and midrange looks.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Bold Sign-And-Trade Ideas Involving Suns’ Deandre Ayton
Karl-Anthony Towns could bring all of that – and more for the Phoenix Suns. Towns flashes all of those aforementioned skills, with the addition of being one of the best shooting big men ever. Towns shot 41% from three this season, good enough for 18th in the league – the highest center by far.
A Deandre Ayton for Karl-Anthony Towns swap for Phoenix could lose some of their defensive prowess, as Ayton is extremely gifted on that end. But Towns brings more than enough on the offensive side to make up for it. As Chris Paul’s career winds down, adding an elite offensive big could be the best way to keep the Suns’ elite offense elite.
Adding DeAndre Ayton would shake things up for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have been building around Towns for seven seasons now. It might benefit them too, though. Minnesota could invest in their star guards, adding a center like Ayton who could anchor their defense and provide scoring only when needed.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Bold Sign-And-Trade Ideas Involving Suns’ Deandre Ayton
At times, the Timberwolves have won big games in spite of Towns, not because of him. A lower usage big like Ayton would take fewer touches and potentially provide higher efficiency offense.
Karl-Anthony Towns is the more proven of the two centers, so a deal would likely require additional assets from Phoenix’s side. Phoenix could throw in a first-round pick or two or could consider cutting into their immensely deep roster and attaching a second player.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Bold Sign-And-Trade Ideas Involving Suns’ Deandre Ayton
The Phoenix Suns have championship aspirations this season, while the Minnesota Timberwolves are building something new. However, this swap could help boost both teams toward their respective goals. Two elite centers, two elite teams – a trade could be just what they need.
