Towns Reflects on Trade a Year Later
Karl-Anthony Towns shared his feelings following the New York Knicks’ 137-114 victory over his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. Even a year after the trade, Towns remains emotionally affected by the move.
“I’m still stunned, I mean, I’m still stunned. It’s weird,” Towns said after the game.
He spoke about his growing connection to the Knicks, saying he feels more like a Knick now after the experiences of the past year. However, seeing the Timberwolves’ throwback black jersey without his name still feels strange to him.
“I feel more like a Knick now after everything we went through last year, but it’s weird to see that Wolves jersey — especially the fire black one — and not see ‘Towns’ on the back of it.”
Background of the Trade
Towns spent nine seasons with the Timberwolves before the blockbuster trade that brought him to New York. The deal sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota just before last year’s training camp.
This trade was surprising because Minnesota had just reached the Western Conference finals, their first since the Kevin Garnett era, and Towns was seen as a key pillar alongside Anthony Edwards for the team's future.
Trade Motivations
- The Knicks saw Towns as an ideal complement to Jalen Brunson.
- The Timberwolves aimed to reduce salary commitments to avoid luxury tax penalties.
Legacy and Emotional Impact
The Wildcats’ return to the throwback jerseys pays homage to the era of Kevin Garnett in the late 1990s and early 2000s, marking a bittersweet reminder of Towns’ previous time in Minnesota.
Summary: Karl-Anthony Towns remains emotionally affected by his trade to the Knicks, reflecting on his ties to both teams and the surprising decision a year ago.