The New York Knicks are set to make a significant move in the NBA, as they are nearing a trade for four-time All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns. This development comes from reliable league sources, indicating that the Knicks will send a package to the Minnesota Timberwolves, which includes forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo, and a future first-round pick.
Karl-Anthony Towns, now 28 years old, has spent his entire nine-year career with the Timberwolves since being drafted first overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. In the 2023-24 season, he showcased his skills by averaging 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, marking a return to All-Star form after battling a knee injury that sidelined him for much of the previous season.
Following a successful season where they won 50 games, the Knicks are looking to bolster their roster, which is primarily built around 28-year-old point guard Jalen Brunson. In addition to acquiring Towns, the Knicks have already made notable additions to their lineup, including wing Mikal Bridges, who was brought in through an early-summer trade with the Brooklyn Nets, and they have re-signed forward OG Anunoby.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, are coming off a strong season as well, achieving 56 wins and advancing to the Western Conference finals, largely thanks to the impressive play of Anthony Edwards. Julius Randle, who is 29 years old, was an All-Star for the third time in his career last season but underwent shoulder surgery in April. The Knicks had announced at that time that Randle would be re-evaluated in five months.
Donte DiVincenzo, 27, had a breakout season, averaging a career-high 15.5 points per game while shooting 40.1 percent from beyond the arc. This trade will mark his fifth NBA team in just four seasons, highlighting his journey in the league.
Additionally, the Knicks will include DaQuan Jeffries and future draft compensation in their deal with the Charlotte Hornets as part of this trade agreement, further indicating their commitment to reshaping the roster.
What does this trade mean for the Knicks? For years, Towns has been a player they have coveted. The Knicks had previously reached out to the Timberwolves about acquiring Towns on multiple occasions over the past few years. The interest has been particularly strong since team president Leon Rose took over the franchise in 2020, after his tenure leading the basketball division at CAA, the agency that represents Towns. Now, the Knicks finally have the opportunity to bring Towns into their fold.
Towns brings a unique skill set and versatility to the Knicks, enhancing their offensive and defensive capabilities. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man and contribute significantly in scoring and rebounding will be vital for the Knicks as they aim to build on their recent success.
As the trade progresses, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring how this move impacts the Knicks’ strategy moving forward and how Towns will fit into their system. The excitement surrounding this potential trade is palpable, as it marks a new chapter for the franchise in their pursuit of NBA prominence.
