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0 With NBA training camps set to open, reports on Friday indicated that the New York Knicks made a blockbuster move, acquiring All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski, the Knicks are sending All-Star forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo, and a protected first-round pick (via Detroit) to Minnesota. The Charlotte Hornets were also reportedly involved as a third team, taking on DaQuan Jeffries and draft compensation to help facilitate the trade’s financial complexities.
Karl-Anthony Towns, a four-time All-Star and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, did not express any desire to leave Minnesota, where he helped lead the Timberwolves to the 2023 Western Conference Finals. Throughout his nine seasons, he played under five head coaches and seven different heads of basketball operations. Despite these challenges, Towns remained a key figure in the community and willingly deferred to emerging star Anthony Edwards. He also adapted to playing a stretch power forward role after the Timberwolves acquired center Rudy Gobert.
The trade reunites Karl-Anthony Towns with Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, who coached him for two and a half seasons in Minnesota. Additionally, it brings Karl-Anthony Towns back to his roots in New Jersey, where he grew up. While Karl-Anthony Towns seemed surprised by the trade just days before the start of training camp, he posted an ellipsis on social media platform X, without further comment.
Karl-Anthony Towns leaves behind a complex legacy in Minnesota. He entered the league at 19 and endured the sudden death of Flip Saunders, the coach who drafted him. He also faced a well-publicized personality clash with former teammate Jimmy Butler in 2018, which resulted in Butler forcing his way out of the team. More recently, Towns dealt with significant personal losses, including the death of his mother due to COVID-19 complications in 2020. Injuries also limited him to just 29 games in the 2022-23 season due to a calf strain.
For Minnesota, the trade brings in Julius Randle, a three-time All-Star power forward, and sharpshooter Donte DiVincenzo, who is coming off a career-best season. The Timberwolves also receive a first-round pick, which helps offset the draft capital they lost in the trade for Rudy Gobert. Minnesota’s president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, has not been afraid of bold moves, and this trade underscores the team’s ambition to push further in the playoffs.
Julius Randle’s health will be a key storyline for the Timberwolves as he recovers from shoulder surgery in April, which sidelined him for New York’s postseason run. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau indicated that Julius Randle should be ready for training camp, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be fully recovered.
For the Knicks, Towns fills a major need at center. With Mitchell Robinson sidelined for at least two months following ankle surgery and Isaiah Hartenstein now with Oklahoma City, Towns’ arrival shores up the team’s one significant roster weakness. He will join a talented Knicks squad led by All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson, positioning New York as a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference.
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