By: Damir Munoz
The season was looking grim for the New York Knicks until Sept. 27, 2024, 10:14 p.m. EST, when NBA reporter Shams Charania announced that the Minnesota Timberwolves had agreed to a deal that would send Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT) to the Knicks for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round draft pick via Detroit. The Knicks essentially solved their problems and potentially saved their season with one big move.
The Knicks had been left with a gaping hole at the center position with the loss of 7-footer Isaiah Hartenstein. And with the injury history of center Mitchell Robinson, who is currently estimated to miss the first month and a half of the season, there was growing uncertainty about who would man the position. Talks had begun to circulate about a potential small-ball lineup in which Julius Randle, the 6-foot-9 forward, would slot in at center during certain stretches of the game or even until Robinson had returned. But historically, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau (Thibs) has shown a reluctance to not have a standard center on the court at all times. Last season, there were only 4% of total possessions where the Knicks did not have at least one of Isaiah Hartenstein, Precious Achiuwa, or Mitchell Robinson on the court.
KAT is a two-time All-NBA participant, four-time All-Star, former 3-point contest winner, and the former Rookie of the Year award winner. During the 2023-2024 regular season, KAT averaged 22 points per game, 8.3 rebounds, and 3 assists, while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from three. This brings a whole new look for the Knicks, who have put all their eggs into this season. KAT has been the most effective long-range 7-footer the NBA has seen since his debut in 2015. His ability to create for himself while also staying as effective off-ball as a spot-up shooter has made it difficult for opposing coaches to game plan against him.
The trade came as a shock for fanbases of both Minnesota and New York. On the side of the Wolves, KAT had been drafted by the Timberwolves and had been with the organization for the last nine years. “Stunned” was the only word KAT could use to describe how he was feeling after the trade was announced. From the Knicks’ standpoint, Julius Randle had signed with the team in the summer of 2019, after New York had only won 17 total games during the 2018-2019 season. Randle had taken a chance on the Knicks, and he played a major role in their postseason berth, a feat that hadn’t been reached since 2013.
The Knicks have not won an NBA championship since 1973, the fifth-longest championship drought in the entire association. This season, with a lineup of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks have lined up their best attempt to break that streak.
