This morning, the blockbuster three-team trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where they’ll join rising superstar Anthony Edwards, became official. Edwards finally spoke about the trade during media day. While much of the NBA media understood the move for the Knicks, many Minnesota fans are feeling confused and nervous after parting with a player who has been a cornerstone of the organization for the last eight years.
“I feel like it’s kind of weird to talk about because he just got traded,” Edwards said. “That’s my dog, man. It was like a ‘one’ or ‘two’ situation. We both were the ‘one.’ We just played off each other. Everybody knows KAT’s my brother, so that definitely hurt.”
The Timberwolves may be thinking long-term, as Julius Randle has not re-signed, while KAT had four years left on his deal. Towns was set to make $49 million, $53 million, $57 million, and $61 million over the next four seasons. With that massive contract off the books, Minnesota gains flexibility, especially with Randle’s expiring contract looming.
For the Knicks, if they don’t win a championship or at least reach the NBA Finals in the next three years, this trade could backfire, leaving them with a hefty financial burden. The pressure is on, and the time to win is now. ESPN’s Bobby Marks even claimed the Knicks have the best team on paper.
“I would go on record right now saying this New York team has the best starting five on paper,” Marks said on ESPN’s NBA Countdown. “They still have to go out and play, and we’re just starting training camp. But when you look at Karl at the five and OG Anunoby at the four, health is going to be key. My only concern, Perk, is their depth.”
Bobby Marks,”Their starting five ( Knicks )is the best starting five in the NBA on paper.”
pic.twitter.com/U4Iyu5JO8c— Maine☘️Boston Celtics☘️ BANNER 19 📶 (@Big_Maine100) September 30, 2024
Depth is indeed a concern. When the Knicks traded for Mikal Bridges and re-signed OG Anunoby, Donte DiVincenzo saw his minutes dwindle. After an efficient season last year, he wanted his role to stay the same or even increase. This move to Minnesota could make DiVincenzo the biggest winner, as he’s likely to thrive alongside the young guards the Timberwolves picked up this summer.
With a long season ahead, the Knicks and Timberwolves will meet in the preseason on October 13th, followed by their first regular-season matchup on December 19th.
