According to several media reports, Karl-Anthony Towns has signed a contract extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The center will thus remain the franchise for another five years.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Towns has signed the so-called Super Max deal, which will earn the center 190 million dollars over five years. Michael Scotto of The Athletic also adds that no player option is agreed in the contract.
According to Woj, Towns’ agent Leon Rose informed the organisation late Saturday evening that his client was very interested in extending the contract. Shortly before, it became known that Jimmy Butler apparently wants to leave the team.
Last season, KAT was voted into the third All-NBA team and All-Star, winning the Rookie-of-the-Year Award in 2016. In 2017/18, the 2.13-metre-hut had an average of 21.3 points and 12.3 rebounds. Meanwhile, Towns has confirmed his whereabouts in Minnesota on Twitter.
“On June 25, 2015, I was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves,” Towns explained in a prepared statement. “On September 22, 2018, I made another commitment to the Wolves and I feel the same enthusiasm I felt in 2015.”
This makes it clear that the future of the franchise is in the hands of Towns. Woj also reaffirms that Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor wants to get rid of Jimmy Butler as soon as possible.
After the Front Office last reportedly rejected offers for the four-time All-Star, Taylor has instructed President Tom Thobodeau and GM Scott Layden to trade Butler in the coming days – ideally before Training Camp begins on Tuesday.
Shams Charania of The Athletic also reports that the Timberwolves want to find a new team for Jimmy Buckets as soon as possible after extending their contract with Towns. The 29-year-old will not appear at the Media Day on Monday or at the Training Camp.