When the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled the trigger on the blockbuster trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks, it was a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA. But for Wolves fans, there was a bittersweet understanding that the trade wasn’t just about basketball—it was about the finances. Towns, a four-time All-Star, was set to cash in big over the next four seasons, and with the new collective bargaining agreement’s salary restrictions, keeping him would’ve handcuffed the Wolves’ ability to make meaningful moves down the line.
Look, the NBA moves fast. Locking yourself into a bloated roster with no flexibility is a death sentence in today’s league.