Is the Karl-Anthony Towns trade as bad as the Luka Doncic trade? 3 reasons why

Karl-Anthony Towns and Luka Doncic, both trade deals brought out immense reactions from NBA fans around the world.

Is the Karl-Anthony Towns trade as bad as the Luka Doncic trade? 3 reasons why

Karl-Anthony Towns and Luka Doncic

This season, the New York Knicks made a huge blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, obtaining Karl-Anthony Towns in exchange for Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle. The Knicks were positioned as a potential title candidate and a force in the Eastern Conference after the trade sent shockwaves around the league.

Similarly, during the recent Trade market deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and their 2029 first-round selection to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic, Markieff Morris, and Maxi Kleber, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. This trade deal shocked the NBA world on a whole new level because no one expected something like this to occur.

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Nevertheless, both trades have proved to be significant on paper for the teams involved but many have scrutinized their previous franchises for letting go of their stars. Especially, for the players that they got in return for this trade. So, let us take a look at 3 specific reasons why the Karl-Anthony Towns trade is just as bad as the Luka Doncic trade:

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1. Karl-Anthony Towns and Luka Doncic are ‘star’ talents:

The Minnesota Timberwolves had their best season in decades during the 2023–24 campaign. The atmosphere was at an all-time high, the defense was among the league’s best, and KAT was starting to shine as a superstar. After all, the NBA is a business.

In Minnesota, KAT was very important. The big man was adored by the city, the team, and the fans. When the team needed it most, Towns was their guiding light and helped lift this organization out of the dark. However, they decided to trade KAT for a lesser offensive option in Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo which did not sit well.

The same goes for Doncic, he is among the greatest offensive players in NBA history, despite Anthony Davis’ incredible skill, particularly on defense. Almost no one else in the league can command an offense the way the Slovenian can.

Doncic is no longer with the Mavs, despite having just led them to the Finals. This trade decision has undoubtedly come under intense scrutiny for the Mavs to trade a player of this caliber in any role.

2. Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves in a slump:

Both trade deals, i.e. the Doncic-Davis and the KAT-Randle have set their respective teams backwards for the NBA playoffs spot this season. Both sides lack a ‘leader’ on the court post the trade deal and haven’t been performing like they did before this season.

For context, the Mavericks have been playing below standards since Doncic was traded to the Lakers. After finishing in the NBA 2024 Finals last season, the Mavs sit 8th in the Western Conference. They have a 31-26 record in the West as of yet.

The Timberwolves are no good. After trading KAT, they have been struggling as well. The Timberwolves players have faced several chemistry issues on the court as well. Another reason why this trade move has affected the primary teams that sent their stars for lesser options. They are 7th in the West, just one place above the Mavs.

3. Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves face possibility of getting irrelevant:

By the look of it, both sides, the Mavericks as well as the Timberwolves are mediocre this season. With their star players being traded, the franchises have also lost many fans due to these rash decision-making processes by their respective GMs. Winning titles and qualifying for the playoffs are a must for both sides this season.

In addition, if both sides continue to perform this way, other stars would want to leave as well, such as Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis for the Mavs, and Anthony Edwards for the Timberwolves. With this, they face the possibility of becoming irrelevant if they don’t get results this 2024-25 NBA season.