In a franchise-altering trade, the Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to send four-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. In return, the Timberwolves will receive All-Star forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round draft pick, according to sources familiar with the deal. Although the trade is not yet official, reports suggest the agreement is in its final stages.
Towns, who has been with the Timberwolves since they selected him first overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, has been a central figure for the franchise for nearly a decade. Despite Minnesota’s ups and downs, including several challenging seasons before last year’s run to the Western Conference Finals, Towns never publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the team. His leadership both on and off the court, particularly his involvement in the Twin Cities community, earned him widespread respect.
This move comes just days before the start of training camp, a surprise for many, including Towns himself, who had comfortably transitioned into a power forward role since the acquisition of Rudy Gobert in 2022. However, this trade brings him back to the East Coast, where he grew up in New Jersey.
For the Timberwolves, the acquisition of Julius Randle provides them with a dynamic power forward. Randle, coming off a strong season with the Knicks, adds scoring and rebounding to the Wolves’ lineup. In addition, sharpshooter Donte DiVincenzo brings extra perimeter firepower after a career-best season, and the first-round pick offers valuable future flexibility.
Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly has shown he’s not afraid of bold moves, evidenced by last year’s Gobert trade. This latest deal may have even bigger implications for Minnesota, as they aim to push further in the competitive Western Conference.
The Timberwolves are positioning themselves for another deep playoff run, while the Knicks, in acquiring Towns, hope to solidify their place among the Eastern Conference’s elite.
