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Anthony Edwards’ rise to stardom could force tough Knicks trade decision

By Jordanna Clark

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 01: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at Target Center on November 01, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 110-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 01: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at Target Center on November 01, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 110-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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Anthony Edwards signed a five-year, $207 million extension with the Timberwolves over the offseason, and he’s burst out of the gate in 2023-24. He leads Minnesota in points per game (28.2) and assists (4.8) through seven games.

Edwards was selected No. 1 overall in 2020, the same year that the New York Knicks selected Obi Toppin No. 8. The guard joined an organization led by Karl-Anthony Towns, who was the first pick in 2015. Edwards has since replaced KAT as the face of the franchise, and his rise could push the Timberwolves to listen to trade offers for Towns.

Between his CAA connection and his New Jersey roots, the Knicks have been linked to KAT for a couple of years. He signed a four-year, $224 million supermax extension in 2022, but with less than 10 games played in 2023-24, Minnesota fans have already started to call for Towns to be traded.

Last week, Charles Barkley said on TNT’s halftime report that he believes New York should trade for the three-time All-Star. He argued that he didn’t want to watch Towns and Rudy Gobert share the floor anymore, and with the Knicks needing a star, Barkley thinks KAT would be a good fit.

Will Timberwolves trade Karl-Anthony Towns before February deadline?

Karl-Anthony Towns’ offensive production is down in 2023-24, as he’s averaging 16.7 points per game on 38.1% shooting from the field and 23.5% from deep.

In an otherwise thrilling Minnesota overtime win against Boston on Monday, Towns disappointed with seven points on 3-of-10 shooting from the floor. He did record 10 rebounds, making it the fourth time this season he’s done so.

It was Anthony Edwards who secured the win, dropping 38 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in 38 minutes.

Towns’ name is already floating around as one that could be a hot topic leading up to the Feb. 8 deadline. If Minnesota decides to officially pass the baton to Edwards and listen to KAT trade offers, New York will most likely be one of the interested suitors. New York Post’s Stefan Bondy reported before the regular season began that Towns is one of the players the Knicks are monitoring.

The Knicks have been patient in their pursuit of a star, so much so that they decided to pass on Donovan Mitchell in 2022 because of the Jazz’s high asking price. Leon Rose and Co. should be extremely hesitant to trade for KAT and his high contract, which runs through 2027-28 (a $61.6 million player option).

Fans are growing weary of New York taking its time before cashing in its assets, but trading for KAT would be the wrong move. However, he’ll likely hit the market before Joel Embiid, another Knicks trade target.

The front office needs to do its due diligence on a Karl-Anthony Towns trade if he becomes available but should ultimately decide to pass on the 27-year-old.

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