In the first non-Adrian Wojnarowski ‘Woj-Bomb’ since his breaking news retirement, Shams Charania first dropped the news of a surprising superstar move just before the start of the NBA training camps: The New York Knicks have acquired All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. This trade involves the Knicks sending Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round draft pick to the Timberwolves.
BREAKING: The Minnesota Timberwolves are nearing a trade to send All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks, sources tell me and @JonKrawczynski. pic.twitter.com/cFbrvj1c9l
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 28, 2024
The trade sees the Knicks bolstering their roster with Towns, a versatile big man known for his scoring ability both inside and outside the paint. Towns, a four-time All-Star, averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game last season. His shooting efficiency was remarkable, with a career-high 41.6% from beyond the arc and 87.3% from the free-throw line.
In return, the Timberwolves receive Julius Randle, who averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists last season, despite missing the playoffs due to a shoulder injury. Donte DiVincenzo, known for his solid contributions and three-point shooting, also joins the Timberwolves, along with a valuable first-round pick.
For the Knicks, this trade signifies a strong push towards championship contention. Towns’ addition provides the team with an inside-outside threat, complementing the talents of Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges. The Knicks, who finished last season with a 50-32 record, are looking to overcome their playoff struggles and make a deep run in the postseason.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, gain financial flexibility by moving off Towns’ hefty contract, which had four years and $220.4 million remaining. Randle’s contract, with a player option for the 2025-26 season, offers the Timberwolves potential cap relief. Additionally, DiVincenzo’s shooting prowess and the first-round pick add valuable assets to the team’s future plans.
The trade has elicited mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike. Knicks fans are excited about the prospect of adding a player of Towns’ caliber, while Timberwolves supporters are hopeful that the new additions will help the team maintain its competitive edge in the Western Conference. Here are some of NBA Twitter’s best reactions:
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— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) September 28, 2024
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) September 28, 2024
*Karl-Anthony Towns gets traded to the Knicks*
The rest of the NBA:pic.twitter.com/qCqbBkBZTD
— Novo (@NovoHeat) September 28, 2024
Karl Anthony Towns: “I’m excited about this season”
The Minnesota Timberwolves front office: pic.twitter.com/s6jiS7SEF9
— The Pettiest Laker Fan 🤫 (@ThePettiestLA) September 28, 2024
Karl Anthony Towns finding out he don’t have to play with Rudy Gobert anymore pic.twitter.com/6xmXcrIUaQ
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) September 28, 2024
Karl Anthony Towns after finding out he was traded by reading Twitter pic.twitter.com/cyWSuqA9Pf
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) September 28, 2024
Not getting the Karl-Anthony Towns trade notification from Woj pic.twitter.com/kmfHAyHUkL
— Bushy White (@bushybluecheese) September 28, 2024
Dominican Knicks fans seeing Karl Anthony Towns get traded to NY pic.twitter.com/iLUL9WcpDv
— Rob Lopez (@r0bato) September 28, 2024
Thank you, Karl-Anthony Towns for 9 years of being a perfect example of a pro
So many years of bullshit and never did he waver or ask out, like many No. 1 picks would have done. Wolves basketball isn’t where it is today without you
pic.twitter.com/WOHZG1ZP8u— Timberwolves Talk (@LetsTalk_Wolves) September 28, 2024
Karl Anthony Towns in New York Knicks Uniform pic.twitter.com/WgI4dGfZD0
— Hiramcito 🦍 (@HiramAlvarez8) September 28, 2024
Karl-Anthony Towns knees after a full season playing for Thibs pic.twitter.com/wZ1gBXEBof
— Wigar 🚬 (@CigarCurry) September 28, 2024
