Minnesota Timberwolves Trade Karl-Anthony Towns to New York Knicks
Franchise-Altering Deal
The Minnesota Timberwolves are sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round draft pick, a person with knowledge of the deal said Friday night.
Background
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade, which was first reported by The Athletic, had not been finalized. For the Knicks, the trade capped off what has been a busy offseason that has included re-signing Jalen Brunson to a four-year deal, trading for Mikal Bridges, and signing free agent OG Anunoby.
Towns’ Reaction
Towns, a four-time All-Star entering his 10th season, never hinted at any discontent with the team that drafted him first overall in 2015 despite several lean years preceding the run to the Western Conference finals last spring. Active in the Twin Cities community, willing to defer the alpha role to young star Anthony Edwards, and unbothered by the move to a stretch power forward role following the acquisition of center Rudy Gobert two years ago, Towns did not appear to see this move coming three days before the beginning of training camp.
The Trade
The Wolves will most definitely have to bring their best on Dec. 19, when they host the Knicks. Minnesota plays an exhibition game at New York on Oct. 13 and in the regular season at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 17. The Wolves get a three-time All-Star power forward in Randle, plus a sharpshooter in DiVincenzo coming off a career-best season and a first-rounder to offset some of the draft capital they sent to Utah in the trade for Gobert.
Randle’s Health
Randle’s health will be a storyline to watch during the preseason. He had shoulder surgery in April and was absent for New York’s run to the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Knicks said then that Randle would be re-evaluated in five months. Asked last week if Randle would be fully ready for camp, Thibodeau said, "Uh, yeah, I think so."
Conclusion
The trade marks a significant shift for both teams, with the Wolves preparing for the challenge of trying to make it two steps further in the playoffs while the top teams in the West show no signs of letting up around them. For the Knicks, the trade fills a major need at center, with Mitchell Robinson out for at least two months recovering from ankle surgery.
FAQs
Q: Why did the Timberwolves trade Karl-Anthony Towns?
A: The trade was made to prepare the Wolves for the challenge of trying to make it two steps further in the playoffs while the top teams in the West show no signs of letting up around them.
Q: Who did the Timberwolves receive in the trade?
A: The Wolves received Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round draft pick.
Q: What is the significance of the trade for the Knicks?
A: The trade fills a major need at center, with Mitchell Robinson out for at least two months recovering from ankle surgery.
Q: Will Randle be fully ready for camp?
A: According to Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, Randle will be fully ready for camp.
