Karl-Anthony Towns Trade Rumors: 'No Indication' T-Wolves Will Move Star

As the 2019-20 season continues going off the rails, the Minnesota Timberwolves still aren't prepared to trigger a full-scale rebuild by trading Karl-Anthony Towns. 

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on The Ryen Russillo Podcast he has "seen no indication and gotten no sense" the Timberwolves would be open to dealing Towns anytime soon. 

Wojnarowski added the front office still views the two-time All-Star as a foundational piece around whom it will continue building its roster.

Towns is in the first year of his five-year, $158.2 million super-max extension. The fact he isn't a free agent until 2024 would seemingly preclude any questions about his future in Minnesota for the time being.

However, The Athletic's Ethan Strauss reported in December the Golden State Warriors were already "monitoring" how things are unfolding for the Timberwolves.

"He's under contract until 2023-24 but has less reason than [Giannis] Antetokounmpo to be thrilled with his team's trajectory," Strauss wrote. "This was a topic among multiple team executives at the recent G League Showcase, with a few relaying word that Towns is unhappy in Minnesota."

Towns addressed the rumors earlier this month and said he's committed to the team.

Wojnarowski said the 24-year-old "has bought into" the plan laid out by president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas and head coach Ryan Saunders.

Unless they got a return that not only yielded multiple first-round picks but also skilled young players to fill out the roster, trading Towns makes zero sense for the Timberwolves. The obvious difficulty comes with finding a way to turn the ship around so as to make the most of the next four years.

Minnesota tried and failed to sign D'Angelo Russell. Jon Krawczynski and Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Jan. 16 the team was still looking to land the 2019 All-Star but met with resistance from the Golden State Warriors.

While Russell would be the point guard the Timberwolves sorely need, they have more holes to fill in order to make meaningful progress toward becoming a contender. And they'll continue to have one hand tied behind their back since Andrew Wiggins is owed $94.7 million over the next three seasons.