Sports
Knicks and Wolves Close to Sealing Karl-Anthony Towns Trade Deal
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ blockbuster deal with the New York Knicks is not yet official.
Karl-Anthony Towns will be traded to New York for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, according to reports on Friday. However, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne claimed that the deal is “still on track but not completed yet.”
Knicks and Wolves: Trade Negotiations in Progress
The transaction also includes a first-round selection for the Timberwolves via the Detroit Pistons, with the Charlotte Hornets receiving DaQuan Jeffries and “draft compensation.”
While the transaction is not yet official, it should go through and will mostly affect the traded players’ media availability prior to training camp.
The deal significantly improved the Knicks’ depth at center. Incumbent starter Mitchell Robinson is expected to miss several months to begin the 2024-25 season, and backup Isaiah Hartenstein left in free agency.
Impact of the Trade on the Knicks’ Future
Randle may have gotten some repetitions at center, but the Knicks will now turn to Towns to perform in the paint. He averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and three assists in 62 games for the Timberwolves in 2023-24 and has been named a four-time All-Star.
Randle should play a key role in Minnesota and might build a formidable core with Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. In 46 games with the Knicks in 2023-24, he averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5 assists.
When the deal is finalized and the players have the opportunity to debate it, it should benefit both teams. However, that will take a little longer to settle.
Randle is an All-Star power forward, DiVincenzo is a sharpshooter coming off a career-best season, and the Wolves receive a first-round pick to balance some of the draft picks traded to Utah in exchange for Gobert.
Tim Connelly, Minnesota’s president of basketball operations, has never been afraid to make a bold move, as seen by his decision to go big – on and off the court – in the Gobert trade. This might be even greater as the Wolves prepare for the challenge of trying to advance two steps in the playoffs while the top Western Conference teams show no signs of slowing down around them.
Karl-Anthony Towns will be traded to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round draft selection, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The individual talked to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the transaction, which was originally reported by the Athletic, had not yet been completed.
Towns, a four-time All-Star entering his tenth season, has never shown dissatisfaction with the team that chose him first overall in 2015, despite numerous tough years leading up to the Western Conference finals last spring.
FAQS
What is the status of the Karl-Anthony Towns trade?
The New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves’ trade negotiations are ongoing and apparently “on track,” but no agreement has been reached.
Why are the Knicks looking to trade for Karl-Anthony Towns?
The Knicks are eager to improve their squad, and they believe Towns can give a significant offensive and defensive presence, allowing them to play at a better level.
What would the Timberwolves gain by trading Towns?
The Timberwolves may attempt to add assets, including as draft picks and younger players, to help them build for the future while also addressing team dynamics.
Who else might be engaged in the trade?
While individual players have not been verified, there are rumors that various Knicks players may be involved in the trade package, depending on the discussions.
How would the transaction affect the Knicks’ roster?
Acquiring Towns would most certainly transform the Knicks’ offensive philosophy, giving them a versatile big man who can shoot, rebound.
