Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks: 3 big trades to upgrade the center position

By Joshua Buckhalter

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 05: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter of the game at Target Center on May 5, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 05: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter of the game at Target Center on May 5, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Hawks possible upgrade at center No. 1: Karl-Anthony Towns has racked up a lot of numbers in Minnesota with little to show for it

We start with a bang as Karl-Anthony Towns is one of the best young best (and most talented offensive weapons overall) in the league. He’s averaged a double-double every season as a pro and has averaged at least 21 points and 10 boards in each of his last five. He also shot a career-high at the free-throw line in a season where most of his other counting stats were down.

Minnesota has had just one winning season during his time there. Even that season was marred by in-fighting resulting in Jimmy Butler’s infamous practice display.

Towns finished third among centers in scoring and 10th in rebounds.

He suffered even greater loss away from the game, as several family members succumbed to COVID, including his mother. The scene of Towns and his father embracing each other at the latter’s first game after her passing was very emotional.

Minnesota hasn’t given any inkling of even being open to moving Towns. That hasn’t slowed speculation, though, and likely won’t.

Especially with the direction of the Timberwolves unclear pending their sale.

There aren’t many players with KAT’s skill set, let alone centers. He gets dinged for spending too much time on the perimeter but perhaps Nate McMillan, who certainly coached up the Hawks to their strengths this season, can work on that.

He wouldn’t come cheap, with any deal surely costing the Hawks some of their young wing depth. That’s the price when trying to improve and not wanting to bank on development. They’ve done well up until this point. But the bill is coming due on several players. Now might be a good time to consolidate some of those valuable assets.

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