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[Saba Sports News] Karl-Anthony Towns might find himself as the odd man out in Minnesota if the Timberwolves undergo an ownership change.
On the latest episode of “The Hoop Collective,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst discussed the uncertain ownership situation with the Timberwolves. Windhorst noted that while he doesn’t believe Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore would dismantle the team, Towns’ role could be reconsidered.
“I do not think that they would tear the team apart,” said Windhorst, per RealGM. “However, I do think there’s a possibility if the ownership change took place that Karl Towns’ role would be re-evaluated.”
Rodriguez and Lore, who currently own 40% of the Timberwolves, were set to take majority control from longtime owner Glen Taylor in March as part of a 2021 agreement. However, Taylor backed out at the last minute, citing missed contractual deadlines by Rodriguez and Lore. As a result, the ownership situation is now headed to arbitration.
Towns, a four-time All-Star and Minnesota’s longest-tenured player, is still in his prime at 28. However, he is owed $221 million over the next four years and struggled in the team’s Western Conference Finals run this season. With younger Sixth Man of the Year winner Naz Reid showing promise and taking some of Towns’ minutes, there is an argument for trading Towns to create financial flexibility.
A previous report suggested Taylor was concerned about financial projections from Rodriguez and Lore, which allegedly included significant payroll cuts. While Windhorst mentioned that the new owners likely wouldn’t slash costs just to save money, it seems Towns’ fit with the team might be reassessed from a basketball standpoint.