Karl-Anthony Towns blindsided by Knicks trade while sharing farewell with father at Timberwolves facility
Karl-Anthony Towns blindsided by New York Knicks trade while sharing farewell with father at Minnesota Timberwolves facility.
Karl-Anthony Towns spent his last moment as a T-Wolves hooping with his father
The off-season is known for surprise deals and trades. However, in a deal that took most fans by surprise, Karl-Anthony Towns visited the Minnesota Timberwolves’ practice facility for the last time after his trade to the New York Knicks on Friday night. He shared a heartfelt moment on his Instagram story by posting a photo of himself shooting hoops with his father.
Fans embraced Karl-Anthony Towns as a favorite during his nine years with the Timberwolves before the team traded him for a package that included Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop, and a future first-round pick from the Detroit Pistons. His camp however expressed surprise at the trade negotiations.
Karl-Anthony Towns was taking in his final moments as a Minnesota Timberwolf late last night with his father at the team’s facility.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) September 28, 2024
Minnesota’s former No. 1 overall pick was blindsided by the move to the Knicks. pic.twitter.com/BPpNCT1762
During his time with the Timberwolves, Towns established himself as one of the franchise’s greatest players, ranking second in all-time points, rebounds, and blocks. Following the team’s elimination in the Western Conference Finals last season, he expressed his commitment to the city, leaving fans with lasting memories.
Now that the T-Wolves are behind him, Towns will reunite with familiar faces on his new team. This includes team president Leon Rose, who served as his agent before taking over the Knicks, and head coach Tom Thibodeau, who coached him in Minnesota. With the Knicks aiming for a championship run, Towns will join Jalen Brunson in a starting lineup that also features strong defensive players like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ trade to New York Knicks was in the works all summer
Although the recent blockbuster trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the New York Knicks may have seemed sudden, it had been in the works for quite some time. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Bobby Marks revealed that discussions between the two teams had been ongoing throughout the summer. This gained momentum when the Charlotte Hornets joined as a third party.
The New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves are working through the framework of a trade involving Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for Karl-Anthony Towns, according to league sources. Teams still working through details but talks have intensified over last 24 hours.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) September 28, 2024
Drastic changes were always a possibility, as Towns’ trade came against the backdrop of Minnesota’s financial challenges and an ownership dispute looming. Towns was entering the first year of a four-year, $220.4 million contract signed in 2022. While no direct indication pointed to financial concerns motivating the trade, the Timberwolves faced a hefty estimated tax bill of $77.5 million, the second-highest in the NBA.
Knicks fans are likely the most excited about the trade, as acquiring Towns adds significant scoring and floor spacing, which are crucial for head coach Tom Thibodeau. Towns has consistently averaged over 20 points per game for eight straight seasons and boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 39.8%. As such, the Knicks have a strong chance to compete against the Celtics in the East.
Ubong Archibong
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