Throughout the offseason, the team to make the most exciting noise was the New York Knicks. With their flurry of eye-popping contract renewals and trades, the NBA world knew that the orange and blue franchise was serious about contending for an NBA title. When it was thought that the entire group would head into training camp for that goal, fans were left dumbfounded by breaking news.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania, now the sole major NBA insider took to his X account to break this news. It involved the New York Knicks as well as the Minnesota Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns after reaching the finals of the Western Conference last season would’ve been eager to push the Timberwolves further towards ultimate glory. The All-Star will now head to the East Coast.
This news came out of nowhere and caught the NBA world off guard. After all, it was widely expected that the two superstar players would continue with the teams they were comfortable with.
For one, Karl Anthony-Towns has become synonymous with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Even though young star Anthony Edwards has taken over as the leading face of the franchise, ‘KAT’ as he is known, was very much the de facto leader. More importantly, he was one of the pillars of support behind the rise of Edwards.
Knicks have acquired Karl-Anthony Towns from Minnesota for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round pick via Detroit, sources tell me and @JonKrawczynski. pic.twitter.com/FafQlY48Y1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 28, 2024
Everyone expected Julius Randle to recover completely and bounce back with a tremendous season. It would have been easier for him to elevate his game as their opponents concentrated on the Villanova boys. But it seems he will now become the second option after Edwards as the Minnesota Timberwolves look to build on their Western Conference Finals run from last season.
Fans stunned with Karl Anthony-Towns moving to New York Knicks
For NBA fans, what stunned them most was the logic behind this trade. Julius Randle and Karl Anthony-Towns had the chemistry running in their now former teams. Fans questioned why any team fiddle with their locker room chemistry would, something that takes time to build. It will be a huge adjustment for both players as well as their new teammates. Fans also questioned if trading for one or the other was actually an upgrade.
Then there is the question of trading Donte DiVincenzo. A move that breaks up the Villanova boys and their chemistry that dates back to their college days. Fans had quite somethings to say about this trade on social media. Check out some examples below;
Oh wow – this will shake up the balance of power in the NBA
— Franklin (@franklinisbored) September 28, 2024
HOLY OVER PAY FOR TOWNS WTF???? KNICKS FLEECED
— Fergy (@Broncooked) September 28, 2024
The Villanova gang is breaking up
— Franklin (@franklinisbored) September 28, 2024
I feel like this is a lose lose trade. All these guys were great where they were before, but it’s going to be weird seeing them on different teams.
— Epicgamertv (@EpicgamertvEGTV) September 28, 2024
FRIENDSHIP BALL IS GONE
— Cades Attorney 💼👨🏾💼 (@CadesAttorney) September 28, 2024
This lowk a bad trade for both team
Knicks needed an anchoring defensive center but they get KAT. A good player but not fitting that mold. Improves starting lineup but worse for depth purposes.
Wolves get an injured Julius Randle that makes spacing worse but add Donte. Eh idk.
— Stretcha (@YMilli333) September 28, 2024
Why would this trade make sense for the Timberwolves?
— Amani Grant-Pate (@AmaniGrantPate) September 28, 2024
Feels like a trade where I don’t know whether both sides won or lost. Almost feels like they stayed the same but if Donte can do what he did for the Knicks for the Wolves then it could be great
— Michel D (@Mjdemo27) September 28, 2024
With not much time remaining before training camp, it will be crucial for both these players to fit into their new homes. They also do not have much time to spend with their new teammates off the court. With an NBA title the goal of both teams, how this shapes up this season will be interesting to watch.
