Report: Clippers discussed Griffin-KAT Swap with T-Wolves
What's the story?
The LA Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves recently discussed a trade that involved the two big men, Blake Griffin and Karl-Anthony Towns.
In case you didn't know...
Blake Griffin signed a $173 million five-year max. contract deal with the Clippers this past summer. The Clippers power forward has been in-and-out of the team during his whole career due to a series of continuous injuries. He missed 21 games last year and already has missed 16 games this season.
The heart of the matter...
Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders reported the Clippers' trade offer. Currently, Towns has two more years on his rookie contract with a $6.2 million salary this season and $7.8 million in 2018-19, per Spotrac. Therefore the proposed deal doesn't seem to make a lot of sense for the Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves are in an excellent position with their current level of talent that they have acquired this season. After Friday's win over the New York Knicks, they now lead the Northwest Division with a record of 28-16. Towns leads the team with 11.9 rebounds per game and ranks second with 20.2 points per game.
What's next?
The Clippers have turned their season around with nine wins in their last 12 games to trail the New Orleans Pelicans by one game for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference.They would like to continue their good form and secure that 8th spot as they play the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have won 4 straight and are currently at the 4th spot. They play the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
Author's take
It doesn't make any sense for the Timberwolves to trade a young and talented Towns for an injury prone Blake Griffin. Not to mention the fact that the rookie contract of Towns also favors them.