Karl-Anthony Towns Reportedly Traded to the New York Knicks as Part of Three Team Deal
By Daniel O’Toole
Just days before the NBA Preseason is set to tip-off, Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania reported a blockbuster trade between the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets.
All-NBA Center Karl-Anthony Towns is reported to be heading off to New York in return for All-Star Forward Julius Randle, Guard Donte DiVincenzo and a 2025 lottery-protected first-round pick from Minnesota. Charlotte is receiving Guard DaQuan Jeffries, salary compensation and draft compensation from the Knicks as part of the trade.
Towns was the first overall pick in 2015 and was a four time All-Star, two time all-NBA third team member and a Rookie of the Year during his time with Minnesota and is now headed off to one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders.
The Knicks are looking to build off one of their best seasons in recent history after a second round exit last year in the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers in game 7. Towns is set to join a roster featuring All-NBA Guard Jalen Brunson,Guard Josh Hart and defensive specialist wings Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.
The Eastern Conference as a whole has shaken up during the offseason after the Boston Celtics won their 18th championship in franchise history.
The Knicks join the Philadelphia 76ers in adding a former All-NBA player after acquiring Paul George during free agency, leaving the Los Angeles Clippers on a four-year, $212 million contract.
Earlier this offseason, the Knicks had traded for Bridges with the Brooklyn Nets for a package that included Bojan Bogdanovic and five future unprotected first-round picks in 2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031.
New York is hopeful that their core group of players can compete with the other contenders of the East. Boston is bringing back their core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingus and Derrick White. The Milwaukee Bucks look to win their second title of the decade with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard and the 76ers are hunting for their first finals appearance since 2001 with Joel Embiid, George and Tyrese Maxy.
New York is currently tied for third in odds to win the championship this year at +750, just behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and reigning champion Celtics.