The New York Knicks have made a significant move, acquiring four-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to sources from *The Athletic*. In exchange, the Knicks will send forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo, and a future first-round pick, originally from the Detroit Pistons, to the Timberwolves.
Towns, 28, has spent his entire nine-year NBA career with the Timberwolves, becoming a cornerstone of the franchise since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2015. He averaged 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game during the 2023-24 season, returning to form after an injury-marred 2022-23 campaign. Despite his integral role in Minnesota’s success, including a run to the Western Conference finals, Towns was reportedly "stunned" by the trade, as he had been preparing for another push with the Timberwolves.
The Knicks have long been interested in acquiring Towns, with sources noting they had contacted Minnesota about him several times over the past few years. Team president Leon Rose, who once represented Towns as an agent, has finally brought the New Jersey native and lifelong Knicks fan to New York. This move is part of the Knicks' strategy to bolster their roster around Jalen Brunson, following a 50-win season. In addition to Towns, the team has added Mikal Bridges and re-signed OG Anunoby, further enhancing their depth.
Minnesota, meanwhile, reshuffles its roster and cap space with this trade. Towns was set to begin a four-year, $220 million extension this season. By trading him, the Timberwolves convert that massive contract into two key pieces: Julius Randle, who is coming off a shoulder surgery and will earn $29 million this season, and Donte DiVincenzo, who signed with the Knicks in free agency this summer for $11.5 million. The Timberwolves were reportedly interested in DiVincenzo during the free-agency period, and his shooting and defense should fit well with their defensive scheme.
Randle, a three-time All-Star, is expected to boost the Timberwolves' half-court offense, which struggled in the playoffs, while DiVincenzo adds perimeter shooting and defensive versatility. Randle has the option to opt out of his contract after the 2024-25 season.
The trade also involves sending DaQuan Jeffries and future draft compensation to the Charlotte Hornets.
For the Knicks, the addition of Towns fills a crucial need, especially with center Mitchell Robinson sidelined until at least December. Towns brings elite shooting for a 7-footer, adding offensive versatility and much-needed rebounding. His prior relationship with Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, although strained in the past, appears to be water under the bridge.
This move marks a new era in Minnesota, where Anthony Edwards will now take center stage as the team's clear leader. With Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid as key building blocks, alongside veterans Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, and now Randle and DiVincenzo, the Timberwolves aim to remain competitive for the long term, maximizing Edwards' window. The trade also frees up financial flexibility, which could help retain Reid, a rising star set to hit free agency next summer.
Losing Randle and DiVincenzo does leave some gaps in the Knicks’ roster. Randle has been a key figure in New York's resurgence, making multiple All-Star and All-NBA teams during his five seasons with the Knicks. Meanwhile, DiVincenzo, who set a team record for 3-pointers in a season, leaves a void in perimeter shooting. Still, Towns' shooting ability and versatility as a 7-footer are expected to offset much of that loss.
This trade signals a major shift in the Knicks' identity and roster depth, as the team continues to pursue a championship-caliber squad.
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