3 All-Star trade targets Memphis Grizzlies must avoid

By Mark Nilon | Jul 11, 2023

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 28: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors in action during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on January 28, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. The Toronto Raptors won 123-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

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Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns controls the ball. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Karl-Anthony Towns

Ironically, directly after saying the Grizzlies should look to target young talents with high shooting efficiency, we find someone who fits this mold precisely with Minnesota Timberwolves star, Karl-Anthony Towns.

Argued by some–namely himself–to already be the best floor-spacing big man of all time, the 27-year-old sports a career long-range shooting clip of 39.5 percent and has breezed past the 40 percent mark on four separate occasions throughout his eight-year tenure in the association.

So why is he on this “do not pursue” list, you may ask?

Well, his inclusion largely comes down to two major red flags: Health concerns and cost.

Since the conclusion of the 2018-19 campaign, the tantalizing pivot has played in 60 or more games just once and has failed to log over 35 games twice due to a myriad of injuries.

This past season, Towns suited up for a mere 25 outings largely due to a serious calf strain.

These concerns paired with the high price it would take not only to snag him via trade but to re-up with him long-term (slated to hit unrestricted free agency in 2024) are not necessarily the type of risks a team that has finished in the second seed in two consecutive seasons should look to take.

Not at this point in time, anyway.

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