The 2 players who would have left Minnesota if Karl-Anthony Towns had not been traded

The NBA has been marked this weekend by the stunning trade that has sent Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round Draft pick.

Stunning because the Timberwolves, on the face of it, did not need to make a move after a season where they were Conference finalists after eliminating the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, in 7 games. However, there is a primary reason why the trade had to happen.

Minnesota was suffocating with salary issues and was about to reach a point of no return regarding the luxury tax. If they hadn't traded Towns, according to the New York Times, the T-Wolves would have been forced to part ways with Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

At first glance, it may seem less negative that both would leave before KAT. But the reality is that Reid was the Sixth Man of the Year and Alexander-Walker was another key player in the rotation. With Towns' departure, they retain a starting and All-Star level player like Julius Randle, and even strengthen the second unit with DiVincenzo.

Moreover, what they got for Towns is far from what they would have achieved by trading Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 2 jugadores que habrían salido de Minnesota si no se hubiese traspasado a Karl-Anthony Towns