“Was freaking out!” Paul George reveals Karl-Anthony Towns reaction to shock trade to New York Knicks

Paul George shed light on Karl-Anthony Towns' reaction to the surprise Minnesota Timberwolves trade ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.

“Was freaking out!” Paul George reveals Karl-Anthony Towns reaction to shock trade to New York Knicks

Paul George and Karl-Anthony Towns

Nobody saw it coming, but the Minnesota Timberwolves’ offseason trade of Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks sent shockwaves throughout the NBA. Towns, who was the T-Wolves’ number-one pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, had spent eight seasons with the Wolves.

And according to Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George, who is a friend of Towns’, the sharpshooting center had an instant and honest reaction to the news. George spoke about it on a recent episode of his podcast and provided an insight into the emotional impact of the trade.

I talked to KAT after the trade… I picked the phone up, called KAT, and he’s like freaking out. Like, ‘Yo bro, is this real?’ Owners can do what they want, trade you in the drop of a dime. I think it was great that he [Tim Connelly] actually face-to-face came to KAT and told him.

Paul George said

When Karl-Anthony Towns departed the Wolves, it marked the end of an era. And although he was blindsided by the trade, he has finally moved on.

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The trade likely stemmed from Minnesota’s desire to build around the future face of the league, Anthony Edwards. Towns’ contract and the Wolves’ need to avoid financial trouble was likely the reason why the move was inevitable.

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Karl-Anthony Towns finding footing with New York Knicks

Karl-Anthony Towns is gradually finding his rhythm with the New York Knicks, as was evident in his 21-point, 15-rebound performance against the Indiana Pacers. His reunion with coach Tom Thibodeau, who previously coached him in Minnesota from 2016-19, has also contributed to his quick acclimatization.

YouTube video

On the ‘Posting and Toasting’ show, Thibodeau noted that Towns has evolved since his Timberwolves days when he had high expectations following his No. 1 draft pick status in 2015. Despite helping Minnesota snap a 14-year playoff drought in 2018, Towns’ potential has been questioned.

I thought he had a good mix… went into the post… offensive rebounded. He got to the free-throw line. That’s really his skill set… can shoot the three, but he can drive the ball, he can play [with his] back to the basket. He’s a great rebounder. So we are seeing that.

Tom Thibodeau said
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The good news for the Knicks is that with Towns’ experience playing with Anthony Edwards, there won’t be any issue with him playing alongside the rest of the Knicks cast. And as he continues to adapt, the Knicks look to build momentum, starting with their next game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.