Karl-Anthony Towns’ trade to the New York Knicks was a big surprise to everyone, including him.
After spending nine seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he only found out about the trade minutes before it became public.
With big names like Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo also involved in the deal, this move will affect both the Knicks and the Timberwolves.
So, what exactly went down in this trade, and what does it mean for both teams? Let’s find out.
- Karl-Anthony Towns was told about his trade to the Knicks just four minutes before NBA insider Shams Charania announced it on social media.
- The trade sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves while Towns prepared to play for the Knicks.
- NBA experts have mixed opinions on the trade, with some praising the Timberwolves’ additions and others believing Towns strengthens the Knicks.
Full Story of Karl-Anthony Towns’ Trade to the Knicks
Karl-Anthony Towns, a star player who spent his entire career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, was traded to the New York Knicks in a surprising deal that shook the basketball world.
Towns shared that he found out about the trade just four minutes before NBA reporter Shams Charania posted it on social media.
He revealed this during an interview on “The Roommates Show,” hosted by Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.
On September 27 at 10:30 p.m., Towns received the news from Timberwolves president Tim Connelly, who personally came to Towns’ home to inform him.
Towns described the moment, saying, “By the time the shock wore off, Shams had already tweeted.”
How Towns Found Out About the Trade
The way Towns learned about his trade was different from the usual process.
Instead of hearing the news from the media, Timberwolves president Tim Connelly came to Towns’ house to tell him in person.
Three of Towns’ friends and his father were also present when Connelly shared the news.
But Towns appreciated how the Timberwolves handled it, saying, “It’s a tough situation, but the way he did it deserves respect.”
Later on, Tim Connelly admitted at a press event that trading Towns wasn’t easy for the team.
“The whole idea of trading people I think is pretty gross and weird,” he said.
“We had to give up one of the best players to ever put on a Timberwolves jersey. As good of a player as he is, he’s a better guy, so New York got a heck of a player and a better person. He’ll be missed.”
What Both Teams Got
As expected, the trade didn’t just involve Karl-Anthony Towns.
In exchange for Towns, the Timberwolves received Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a future first-round pick.
Randle and DiVincenzo bring toughness and depth to Minnesota’s lineup, which the team feels is important moving forward.
On top of that, the deal also included the Charlotte Hornets, making it a three-team trade.
Before the Knicks completed the trade, the Golden State Warriors had some interest in Towns, but their discussions with Minnesota didn’t lead to a deal.
The Warriors reportedly couldn’t offer enough to meet the Timberwolves’ demands.
Now, Towns is set to debut with the Knicks in their first game of the season against the Boston Celtics.
He’s also set to face his old team, the Timberwolves, twice this season—once in Minnesota on December 19 and then again at Madison Square Garden on January 17.
What NBA Experts Are Saying About the Trade
As you can imagine, opinions on the trade have been mixed.
Some NBA experts believe the Timberwolves won by getting two starters in Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, while others think Towns will be a game-changer for the Knicks.
Former NBA star Paul Pierce, known for his critical takes on the Knicks, said, “In all honesty, I think Minnesota won that trade because I love DiVincenzo. He is a dog.”
On the other hand, Kevin Garnett, another former player, feels that both teams got something valuable.
Garnett said, “I think New York having Karl-Anthony Towns in the East makes it a lot more interesting. It gives you that big sine Mitchell Robinson is out. They’re going to need a big that can dominate, that you can throw the ball to and score. Karl-Anthony Towns puts the Knicks in a different conversation now.”
As Towns prepares for his new chapter with the Knicks, all eyes will be on how he meshes with Jalen Brunson and the rest of the squad.
The Knicks’ hopes of contending in the East rest heavily on Towns’ ability to dominate the paint and form a powerful duo with Brunson.
