10 Players the Nets may replace Ben Simmons with by the trade deadline

4. Karl-Anthony Towns

The Timberwolves are coming to a crossroads. They must decide quickly if they can build a title-contending roster with KAT and Rudy Gobert in the frontcourt. Minnesota paid a massive price for Gobert, which firmly puts Towns on the block if things are not working.

Towns has a player option in 2027 and will make nearly $50 million per year starting next season. It is a massive contract to take on, but KAT is one of the best shooting big men of all time. For his career, he averages 23.0 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game and has made 39.3 percent from beyond the 3-point line.

Nicolas Claxton could be the perfect frontcourt partner to pair with KAT because the current Net can defend on the perimeter. They can share the responsibilities inside, and Towns can space the floor for the Nets attack. It could be a dynamic duo on both ends that helps mitigate each player’s weaknesses.

Would the Timberwolves have interest in Ben Simmons? They will be over the second tax apron next season but need a point guard to run their offense. Minnesota would have two non-shooting starters, which could be problematic, but their defense might be among the best in the league. It is something the two sides may explore.