Karl Anthony Towns seemingly embracing Bodega KAT nickname from Knicks fans: "That's clever"
The newest addition to the New York Knicks is already becoming a favorire with the team's fans. Knicks fans have adorned Karl-Anthony Towns with a new nickname as Towns embraces the Knicks culture.
Upon being traded to the Knicks, fans felt Towns needed a new nickname instead of his 'Big Purr' moniker given by Minnesota Timberwolves fans. Knicks fans have come up with 'Bodega KAT', and the four-time All-Star has already given it his stamp of approval. With a post to X, Knicks beat writer Kristian Winfield revealed Karl-Anthony Towns' reaction to his new nickname.
"That's clever," Towns offered in support of the new nickname. "That's pretty good."
The nickname is picking up immense traction on social media and it appears it is here to stay.
Towns will enter his 10th NBA season in 2024-25, his first as a New York Knick. He made his fourth All-Star appearance last season, finishing the year averaging 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, shooting a mind-boggling 41.6% from the three-point range.
Here is a closer look at the trade that sent Towns to New York.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks trade details
The trade to send Karl-Anthony Towns to the Big Apple was not simple by any means. The trade involved three teams, eight players, four draft picks and cash considerations.
The Charlotte Hornets joined the Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the trade, giving up the draft rights to James Nnaji to New York. The Hornets received Charlie Brown, DaQuan Jeffries, Duane Washington Jr. and three second-round picks in the trade, along with the aforementioned cash considerations.
The Knicks have put up a haul in the deal, sending Julius Randle, Dante DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop and a first-round pick to the Timberwolves. New York was also responsible for the entirety of Charlotte's return minus one of the three second-round picks.
That pick came from Minnesota, along with Karl-Anthony Towns who landed in New York. With the trade, the Knicks bolstered their title odds and have formed a big three with Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Towns.
Following the trade, New York's title odds increased to second in the NBA behind the defending-champion Boston Celtics.