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Phoenix Suns open to trading #1 pick, Karl-Anthony Towns unhappy in Minnesota

By Nate Mann

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 28: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves boxes out against Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns during the game on March 28, 2016 at Target Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 28: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves boxes out against Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns during the game on March 28, 2016 at Target Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Separate rumors involving the No. 1 overall pick and Karl-Anthony Towns surfaced last week, neither of which should intrigue the Blazers.

NBA Twitter needed a discussion point in the three day gap between Game 2 and Game 3 of each playoff series. In the last break separating playoff series’, it argued about what Larry Bird’s averages would be in today’s NBA.

Fortunately, these off days hosted much more relevant discussions.

Trading the No. 1 pick

Over the weekend, Luka Doncic won the Euroleague championship and was named the Euroleague Final Four MVP. He becomes the youngest player to win the latter award at 19 years old.

In the midst of these accomplishments, Doncic expressed indecision about coming to the NBA in June. He declared for the draft and is projected to be the first or second pick.

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Coincidentally, Phoenix Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough spoke about the potential of trading the first pick away as well. He said that a few players are worth a one-for-one swap of the pick and that the next month will be busy for Phoenix.

The Portland Trail Blazers will not engage in these trade talks. Damian Lillard enters the best years of his career; Neil Olshey must surround him with players ready to contend.

Also, Phoenix only swaps the pick for either Lillard or CJ McCollum. If either leave this summer, it will be for established players providing outside scoring at different positions than guard. Any trade involving the backcourt should include either Evan Turner or Meyers Leonard‘s contract to free space as well.

Drafting DeAndre Ayton fills Jusuf Nurkic‘s position if he walks this summer. However, adding Ayton for McCollum doesn’t improve the Blazers.

Drafting Luka Doncic makes the trade a one-for-one swap for McCollum. Portland needs scoring at other positions, plus Doncic may not play as well off the ball.

Karl-Anthony Towns

For the first time since 2003-2004, the Minnesota Timberwolves made the playoffs. Acquiring Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson moved the young team forward, but apparently not enough for Karl-Anthony Towns.

Last Friday, reports emerged about Towns’ unhappiness with the Timberwolves organization.

This isn’t the first player grumblings out of Minnesota. Earlier in the season, Andrew Wiggins complained about “being the third option” despite attempting the most shots per game.

Seemingly nothing changed after Wiggins’ complaints, but it will for KAT as he’s the franchise centerpiece.

If the All-Star big man is on the move, Portland should steer away.

First, he’s still on his rookie deal. After next season, Towns will be a restricted free agent. And when he is, the contract will certainly be over $20 million per year.

Moving Dame or CJ in the trade clears that cap space, but doesn’t guarantee that the Blazers can retain Towns. Although he’s a RFA and any deal can be matched, the risk of having him as a one season rental still exists.

Second, Karl-Anthony Towns is not a great defensive player.

A lot of Blazers fans’ gripes stem from the backcourt’s inability to defend. Portland’s rim protection makes up for the guards, but starting Towns at center spreads takes away that help.

Next: Donte DiVincenzo not right for Blazers in draft

Rip City is at the point where any major trade is a step forward for the team and Neil Olshey. However, the team should avoid getting involved in the two biggest rumors: Suns trading the No. 1 pick and Towns unhappy in Minnesota.

Olshey should certainly explore trades for “playoff caliber players” as he says, but not make a trade simply for the sake of changing the roster up.