What the Karl-Anthony Towns Trade Means for the Knicks and Timberwolves

Published: Thursday, October 17, 2024

by Jacob Glick

On a late Friday night in September, New Yorkers were focused on baseball, anticipating the playoff runs of the Mets and Yankees. Their attention quickly shifted to basketball with a stunning trade between the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves. The deal sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. While the trade surprised fans in both cities, it had been speculated for some time and will have major implications for both teams.

Heading into the new season, optimism was high for both Knicks and Timberwolves fans. The Knicks reached the second round of the playoffs for the second consecutive year and came within one game of the Eastern Conference Finals, despite significant injuries. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves eliminated the reigning champion Denver Nuggets, securing their first trip to the Western Conference Finals in two decades. With All-NBA forward Julius Randle returning from injury, OG Anunoby recovering from a hamstring strain, and the addition of Mikal Bridges via trade, many believed the Knicks were ready to contend for a championship. Similarly, with Anthony Edwards emerging as a franchise cornerstone, expectations were high for the Timberwolves. Then, everything changed.

The Knicks made a bold move, trading away their second longest-tenured player, Julius Randle, along with Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop, and a first-round pick to the Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns. The Charlotte Hornets also joined the deal, sending former first-round pick James Nnaji to the Knicks in exchange for Charlie Brown Jr., DaQuan Jeffries, Duane Washington, and two future second-round picks. So, what are the implications of this trade for the teams involved?

In Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks acquire a superstar at a critical position, filling the void left by Isaiah Hartenstein. Despite injury challenges last season, it was clear the Knicks needed more offensive firepower from their big men. Towns is not just a solid shooter; he’s arguably the best shooter ever at the center position. Over his nine-year career, he has averaged 22.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game, shooting 52.4% from the field, an exceptional 39.8% from beyond the arc—the highest for a center—and 83.9% from the free-throw line. Beyond his elite shooting, Towns brings strong passing for his size, a soft touch around the rim, and the ability to finish powerfully. He will help space the floor, opening up the paint for Jalen Brunson and creating more corner shots for OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, significantly enhancing the Knicks' offensive versatility.

Although the Timberwolves exceeded expectations last season, they needed another shot creator alongside Anthony Edwards. That’s exactly what they get with Julius Randle. A 2014 first-round draft pick, Randle entered the league as an athletic marvel with agility and skills rare for his size. After struggling with the Lakers and Pelicans, he blossomed with the Knicks, becoming one of the league’s top power forwards. In New York, Randle averaged 22.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game on 45% shooting from the field and 33.8% from three. His strong post game and physicality will force opponents to double-team him, creating open shots for teammates and driving lanes for Edwards.

Donte DiVincenzo also enjoyed a breakout year with the Knicks, establishing himself as one of the league's best spot-up shooters. Last season, he shot over 60% in catch-and-shoot situations on more than 600 attempts—the most in the league. The Timberwolves gain a dynamic big man in Randle and a prolific scorer off the bench in DiVincenzo, which should open up more opportunities for their offense and make them a formidable force.

This leads to the big question for both teams: Why make the trade? Karl-Anthony Towns is set to earn an average of $56 million annually over the next four seasons. Given the salary cap hit, his injury history, and Minnesota’s desire to keep Naz Reid, the Timberwolves felt it was time to move on from their former No. 1 overall pick. Keeping Towns would have made it nearly impossible to retain Reid, and by trading him now, the Timberwolves secured a strong return, including shot-creator Julius Randle and sharpshooter Donte DiVincenzo.

For the Knicks, Julius Randle was coming off a serious shoulder injury—his second surgery in two years. He had joined the team when they were among the league’s worst and played a key role in their resurgence, leading to their first playoff appearance in eight years during the 2020-2021 season. However, the roster has since undergone a complete overhaul, with Jalen Brunson emerging as a top player and the acquisitions of OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, while former key players like RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, and Quentin Grimes departed. As a result, Randle's fit became uncertain, especially after repeated struggles in key playoff moments.

In a league increasingly dominated by shooting, Randle started to feel like a relic of an earlier era of Knicks basketball. With his free agency approaching and playoff struggles weighing heavily, the Knicks decided it was time to move on. Although they preferred to keep Donte DiVincenzo, the development of Deuce McBride and the acquisitions of Cameron Payne and Tyler Kolek gave them confidence in replacing DiVincenzo’s production while maintaining one of the NBA’s best benches.

A small but intriguing detail in the trade is the Knicks' acquisition of James Nnaji from the Hornets, who could become a valuable asset in the future. Nnaji, a 6’10”, 235-pound former first-round pick, is recovering from a back injury and will play overseas in Europe this season. Known for his athleticism and physicality, he excels in the pick-and-roll, finishes well on alley-oops, and provides strong rim protection and rebounding. Although still a raw talent and likely a few years away from making a significant impact, he has the potential to be a key player down the line.

The decision for both franchises to part ways with their cornerstones could yield significant rewards or prove disastrous. Towns provides much-needed spacing and shooting for a Knicks team that has struggled in that area. Meanwhile, Randle’s dynamic play and DiVincenzo’s bench shooting could elevate the Timberwolves to new heights. Only time will tell if both teams will regret the trade or realize it was the right move for their futures.

Jacob Glick can be reached at jacob.glick@student.shu.edu. 

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