Something had to give. That was the thinking around the NBA when it came to the Timberwolves ’ long-term roster construction. In this era of a punitive second apron of the luxury tax — which carries stiff payments and imposes roster-building restrictions on those who exceed it — the Wolves having three players on maximum contracts seemed unsustainable in the long term.
But the team seemed content to pay a hefty luxury tax and run it back this season in hopes of exceeding its Western Conference finals appearance. That all changed Friday night. The Wolves agreed to trade franchise mainstay Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop and a 2025 protected first-round pick via Detroit.
With the move, they are opting for some financial flexibility in the future to build around Anthony Edwards , but it comes at the risk of the team’s prospects in the short term, especially in a crowded Western Conference. Here are four ways the trade affects this season’s team as it prepares for training camp: Betting on Reid Naz Reid becomes the longest-tenured Wolves player as he enters his sixth season. Reid is making about $14 million this season and has a player option next summer that he likely would decline to enter free agency.
His career has ascended in the past two years, with his NBA Sixth Man of the Year award proving how valuable he is in the league. Reid averaged 13.5 points in 24.
2 minutes last season, and he figures to be in the sa.