The New York Knicks have made a significant acquisition by trading for four-time All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves, as reported by league sources. In exchange, the Knicks will send forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo, and a future first-round pick via the Detroit Pistons to Minnesota.
Towns, who is 28 years old, has been with the Timberwolves since being drafted first overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. He averaged 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game during the 2023-24 season, marking a return to All-Star form after spending a substantial portion of the previous season sidelined due to a knee injury.
According to sources, Towns was “stunned” by the trade. He had been preparing for the upcoming season at the Timberwolves’ practice facility and believed he played a crucial role in the team’s plans after their recent playoff success.
The Knicks have long pursued Towns, reaching out to the Timberwolves multiple times over the past few years. Team president Leon Rose, who took over in 2020, has finally secured the player he coveted.
After achieving their best record in a decade last season with 50 wins, the Knicks have made several moves to strengthen their roster, which centers around 28-year-old point guard Jalen Brunson. Alongside Towns, they acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and re-signed forward OG Anunoby, adding depth that contributed to their successful campaign last season.
Towns is a New Jersey native and a lifelong Knicks fan, having previously played for current Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau during his tenure with the Timberwolves. Despite past tensions, Towns has expressed no hard feelings towards Thibodeau, claiming to have moved on.
The Timberwolves will benefit from improved financial flexibility as a result of this trade. Towns was about to start a four-year, $220 million max extension, but the trade allows Minnesota to acquire two productive players—Randle, who is making $29 million this season, and DiVincenzo, who is set to earn $11.5 million.
DiVincenzo, 27, has been a target for the Wolves in free agency due to his shooting and defensive capabilities, fitting in well with the team’s strong defensive identity. Randle, 29, returns from a shoulder injury requiring surgery earlier this year and adds valuable scoring depth.
The draft pick from the Pistons is protected, only converting to a second-round pick if it does not convey within a specified timeframe.
The Knicks will also send DaQuan Jeffries and additional draft compensation to the Charlotte Hornets as part of the deal.
After the season ended, Towns expressed confidence in remaining with the Timberwolves, citing his love for the franchise and the community. His departure marks the conclusion of a significant era in Minnesota, where he has been a franchise cornerstone since 2015. Towns received multiple accolades during his career, including Rookie of the Year and All-Star selections, while making numerous contributions to the community.
This trade will reshape the Timberwolves’ future, shifting primary responsibility to Anthony Edwards, along with Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid. Minnesota aims to build a team capable of sustained success, maximizing Edwards’ potential while retaining core players.
For the Knicks, while Randle’s loss is notable, they gain a player in Towns who can fill similar roles on the court. DiVincenzo’s exit means that the Knicks will need to adjust, leveraging their remaining depth to maintain competitiveness while reshaping their team identity.