Grade the Mock Trade: Spurs land superstar center to support Wembanyama

Laying Out The Trade

The specifics of this theoretical trade are simple. San Antonio would send Keldon Johnson, Cameron Payne, Devonte' Graham, and a pair of future first-round picks from other franchises to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns. If this package was on the table, the Spurs would be foolish to turn it down.

Keldon Johnson was the leading scorer in San Antonio last season. But he is a replaceable asset who feels like someone who could become the odd man out for a rebuilding team hoping to overhaul their defense after a historically horrendous performance on that end a year ago. Though bidding adieu to a pair of dependable backup point guards hurts, the Spurs have the playmakers to keep their second string afloat without Payne or Graham.

Even if you're of the mindset that moving multiple first-rounders to Minnesota is too pricey for Towns, it feels like a manageable gamble when both outgoing selections belong to another organization. His shoddy public perception combined with a Grade 3 calf sprain that forced him on the sidelines for 59 games are understandable causes for concern, but KAT is one of a select few seven-footers who can effortlessly glide across the court and get buckets from anywhere.