2 Reasons for Blazers to target Karl-Anthony Towns, 2 reasons to stay away

2. Contract

The 27-year-old still has $36 million owed next season from his max rookie extension. He signed another deal with the T-Wolves for four years and $224 million that runs through at least ’26-27 and has a player option for ’27-28, his age-31 season.

Not only is that a huge amount of money to take on, it would be difficult for the Blazers to match that salary in a trade. The only Portland player on that kind of contract is Lillard, and if Cronin has to deal away Dame to add Towns, there’s no point in entertaining the conversation.

If Lillard is staying, a package such as Simons, Nurkic, and Nassir Little could match salaries. The Blazers would be left with Lillard, Sharpe, and Towns as their big three, perhaps with Jerami Grant in tow if the contracts work, which certainly makes the team more balanced.

It’s a hefty contract to absorb, however, and debatable whether Portland is better off just keeping Simons on a team-friendly deal.

Still, adding someone with Towns’ skill set as a big rebounder, rim-deterrent, floor-spacer, and go-to offensive option wouldn’t be the worst type of player Portland could add this summer.