On Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves trade became official. The deal sends Karl-Anthony Towns and draft rights to James Nnaji (via Charlotte) to the Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop, and a future first-round pick.
This move stunned many fans and players around the NBA. After watching KAT play for Minnesota for so many years, the trade seemed out of nowhere. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said this about the trade, “Just a really good guy, big for the community. So it’s always hard. It just is. You don’t think about the human side of things when you’re contemplating these types of moves, but when they happen, that’s the first thing that comes to mind”.
It was also puzzling for the former Knicks, as Randle and DiVincenzo played big roles for New York and seemed happy playing for them. Especially with the former Villanova guys including Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart, it was a shock to see DiVincenzo be separated from them.
While emotionally this move may seem lose-lose, the move makes sense for both sides. New York needed a big man desperately after losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency to the Thunder, and the starting lineup of Brunson, Hart, Bridges, Anunoby, and KAT fits very well. Towns will be able to stretch the floor for the Knicks with his ability to shoot, something that the Knicks didn’t have at center with Hartenstein. While they lose depth without DiVincenzo and Randle, they gain one of the best starting lineups in the NBA.
On the other side of the coin, this trade also makes sense for Minnesota. While the emotional impact of KAT leaving will be felt, Randle and DiVincenzo will fit in very well with this offense. The starting lineup will likely be Conley, Edwards, McDaniels, Randle, and Gobert. KAT’s 3-point ability will be missed, but it will also open up a lane for the 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid to step up and increase his production. DiVincenzo will also be a great shooter off the bench, as this team looks to compete for a championship again this year.
Both teams had 50-plus wins last season, and they will both look to continue their success this upcoming year.
