The NBA’s Final Weekend of the Offseason Brings Another Blockbuster Deal
In a stunning move, the New York Knicks have acquired Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves, sending Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota. The Timberwolves will also receive a 2025 top-13 protected first-round pick from the Knicks, with the Charlotte Hornets facilitating the deal.
Towns, a four-time All-Star, averaged 22.9 points and will reunite with head coach Tom Thibodeau, whom he played for from 2016 to 2019. Randle, a three-time All-Star, has been sidelined since January due to a right shoulder injury that required surgery in April. DiVincenzo, a six-year veteran sharpshooter, finished last season with career highs in games played (81) and 3-point percentage (40%).
What do league insiders think about Towns’ fit in New York?
One insider noted that Towns fills the Knicks’ biggest need at center, following the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein and injury to Mitchell Robinson. Towns’ career 39% 3-point shooting will help balance the scoring and space the floor. Another insider pointed out that Towns gives New York an incredible amount of spacing and scoring punch as a No. 2, and he has experience playing in Thibodeau’s defensive system.
What do league insiders think about Randle’s fit in Minnesota?
One insider said that this trade is possible because Naz Reid has developed well, and Randle figures to stay in Minnesota, as he can opt out of his deal after this season. This reality gives Minnesota far more financial flexibility than it had under Towns’ massive contract. Another insider noted that Randle gives Minnesota an All-NBA forward to complement Rudy Gobert and better roster flexibility moving forward.
Who is the biggest winner in this deal?
One insider believes it’s the Knicks, who have done nothing but go all-in this summer by trading for Mikal Bridges, extending Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, and now acquiring Towns. They now have three bona fide stars, all on the same timeline. Another insider thinks it’s too early to tell, but likes Minnesota’s decision to streamline its big-man rotation and gain more cap flexibility going forward.
What’s the biggest remaining question mark?
One insider wonders whether the Knicks have enough now to dethrone the Boston Celtics and get past the other contenders in the East. Another insider asks how Randle will jell with Anthony Edwards on the floor, and whether Towns will be a natural fit alongside his physical Knicks teammates.
How will Towns’ tenure in Minnesota be remembered?
One insider thinks it will be fondly, but incomplete. Towns waited a long time to play with a co-star like Edwards, and it would have been nice to see this team get one more crack at it after last season’s conference finals. Another insider believes Towns was wildly talented and played a role in beginning to turn things around for the Wolves.
How will Randle’s tenure in New York be remembered?
One insider thinks it will be as a consolation prize after the Knicks didn’t land Kevin Durant in free agency in 2019, but he far exceeded those initial expectations to become an MVP candidate in 2020. Another insider believes Randle’s tenure will be similar to the way Wolves fans saw Towns’, with flaws but also on-court improvements that helped the Knicks turn a corner.
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