Karl-Anthony Towns to New York Knicks: Trade grades, winners, losers and more
The news of Karl-Anthony Towns' reported trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the New York Knicks shocked the NBA world on Friday. The Timberwolves reportedly agreed to send their All-Star big man to the Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round pick via the Detroit Pistons.
With the blockbuster trade, both teams drastically remade their roster just days before the start of training camp, and both teams are likely to be equally better off for it. The Timberwolves and the Knicks were able contenders for the NBA title last season and seem to have made headway on their championship ambition next season with one swift move.
With that, let's take a look at how the trade impacts both teams.
Karl-Anthony Towns to New York Knicks: Trade grades
New York Knicks (B+)
With the move, the New York Knicks solved two of their major issues ahead of the next season. The first was their need for a fitting center, with Isaiah Hartenstein leaving the team during free agency and Mitchell Robinson injured.
Second was Julius Randle's contract and the looming question of his place with the team centered around Jalen Bruson. The Knicks were able to solve both problems with one move.
Karl-Anthony Towns can play a secondary role as displayed during his years playing alongside Anthony Edwards. He is expected to be a great fit for the Brunson-centric Knicks given his size and shooting combo.
While bringing in Towns in exchange for Randle may create defensive issues, the New York Knicks have the right personnel in their roster to offset it. Moreover, the Knicks' team dynamic may offer Towns enough room to reach his full potential.
Minnesota Timberwolves: (B+)
The Minnesota Timberwolves' main motive for trading Karl-Anthony Towns in the seemingly now-or-never situation may have been to save money given the restrictive CBA rules. Towns previously signed a 4-year $220 million contract with the Timberwolves in 2022, set to begin next season.
With Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels earning market rate and Naz Reid likely to opt for a raise for the 2025-26 season, the Timberwolves had to save somewhere. It may not have been through Karl-Anthony Towns if he was a bit more reliable as a max-signed player.
With Edwards and Gobert arguably being more crucial for the team, it was either Towns or the role players that had to be traded. In return, the Timberwolves have got a cheaper alternative with Julius Randle's contract of around $30 million a year.
Randle is a better creator which will be valuable for Minnesota who needed someone besides Edwards or Mike Conley to create shots last season. Moreover, the addition of Donte DiVincenzo will help in the loss in shooting depth as a result of trading Towns.
Randle's addition is also a low-stake one for the Timberwolves as he has a player option for the 2025-26 season. Meanwhile, DiVincenzo fits with the team as he fits with anyone.