10 players the Mavericks may replace Kyrie Irving with by the trade deadline

3. Karl-Anthony Towns

Just like the aforementioned Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns is someone to keep an eye on if the Minnesota Timberwolves' strategy of running two star centers doesn't work. Towns has been with Minnesota for the duration of his career, but is this the year that he gets moved?

In eight seasons for the Timberwolves, Towns has averaged 23.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. He has been dominant since stepping foot into the NBA, and Dallas and Minnesota could possibly engage in talks centered around Towns and Kyrie Irving once the trade deadline rolls around.

Irving seems like he will stick in Dallas as of right now, as the front office made a massive investment to trade for him last season, but things can change quickly in the NBA.

Towns is a monster offensively, and can score at all three levels. He has turned into a consistent 3-point shooter since coming into the league, and his ability to space the floor at the center position would be valuable for Dallas.

Although Towns isn't necessarily a defensive anchor and there have been concerns about his effort, Towns' size alone is enough to contain some bigs in the NBA. He may struggle against the elite ones, but his offensive ability more than makes up for it.