Early on Friday, Central European time, a real NBA “bombshell” rang out – the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves concluded a spectacular trade centered on Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle!
In this big trade, Towns will become the new center of the Knicks, while Minnesota, which played in the Western Conference finals last season, will get Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. In addition to the player, the Timberwolves will also receive a top 13 protected pick in the next NBA draft.
The third team involved in the trade is the Charlotte Hornets, who facilitated the financial realization of the deal. As a reward, Charlotte will receive several picks in future drafts, although the exact details have not yet been released.
Talks between the Knicks and Timberwolves have been ongoing all summer, and according to ESPN, Karl-Anthony Towns did not expect to be traded. However, he is returning near his native New Jersey, where he will once again work with coach Tom Thibodeau, who led the Timberwolves from 2016 to 2019.
Towns averaged 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game last season, and is expected to be the Knicks’ starting center, especially with Mitchell Robinson injured.
On the other hand, Julius Randle, who turns 30 in December, averaged 24.2 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in 46 games last season before a shoulder injury ended his season in late January. He is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
The new NBA season starts on October 22nd, and this trade adds to the excitement before the start.