NBA reporter Jon Krawczynski has revealed that Karl-Anthony Towns never requested a move from the Minnesota Timberwolves in his nine-year tenure with the team. Even with his secure four-year, $220.4 million contract, the franchise’s financial situation and the presence of three centers on their payroll raised questions about who might be traded. With this uncertainty, Towns feared for his place on the roster and took the matter into his own hands.

In a story shared by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, it was revealed that Towns had concerns right after the Timberwolves unexpectedly acquired Rudy Gobert. Wanting to avoid any surprises regarding his own future, KAT reached out to team president Tim Connelly.

“The Gobert trade came out of nowhere. It stunned the entire organization,” Windhorst explained. Not wanting a similar surprise for himself, Towns arranged a dinner meeting with Connelly and directly asked, “Are you gonna trade me?” While Connelly didn’t provide any definitive promises, he was candid about Towns’ position within the team.

Stood out last season

Towns’ concern was understandable given Gobert‘s impressive track record. With an average of 15.6 points, 14.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in his last season with Utah, and three Defensive Player of the Year awards under his belt, Gobert’s addition to the Timberwolves roster brought uncertainty about Towns’ future role.

It’s no wonder KAT, feeling the pressure of such a strong new presence, sought reassurance from management.

Following conversations with Connelly and other executives, Towns seemed to regain confidence in his standing with the team.

Last season, he maintained his usual form, putting up 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, with shooting averages of 50.4 percent from the field and 41.6 percent from three-point range. Alongside rising star Anthony Edwards, Towns helped the Timberwolves reach the Conference Finals, a milestone they hadn’t achieved since 2004.