Former Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns recently shared the story about how he found out about his trade to the New York Knicks.
Timberwolves team president Tim Connelly, made the unexpected journey to Towns’ house, where Towns was accompanied by three friends and his father, to personally inform him of the trade.
Towns expressed his gratitude for Connelly’s gesture, stating,
“I didn’t get called,” Towns says. “Tim [Connelly] told me to my face that I was traded … It was gangster, I ain’t gon’ lie…
It’s a tough situation regardless of what would have happened. But the fact that it happened that way, I got to give him respect.”
The trade to New York marked a new chapter for Towns, who had spent his entire NBA career with the Timberwolves. While the move was undoubtedly a major adjustment, Towns’ positive reaction to Connelly’s approach highlighted the mutual respect and understanding between the two.
Beyond the personal touch, Connelly’s decision to travel to Towns’ home demonstrated his respect for the player’s feelings and the significance of the trade. In a league often characterized by business decisions and impersonal transactions, Connelly’s actions stood out as a testament to his commitment to building strong relationships with his players.
