Breaking News: Knicks land Karl-Anthony Towns in blockbuster trade, send Julius Randle and another star to Timberwolves - Report
The New York Knicks may have found a solution to their big man problem by trading for former Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns. In return, they sent Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round pick via Detroit to the Timberwolves.
With Mitchell Robinson recovering from a foot injury and Isaiah Hartenstein leaving in free agency, the Knicks' thin frontline had to be addressed. New York's front office made a potentially franchise-altering move, but also at a significant cost.
The Athletic's Shams Charania broke the news on X/Twitter:
The Julius Randle trade seemed inevitable after the New York Knicks reached the Eastern Conference semis without him. They were beaten by the Indiana Pacers in seven games.
Randle has a player option next season and the Knicks might have wanted to avoid contract negotiations. Instead of extending “Don Julio,” they took on a player whose four-year, $220.4 million contract will kick in next season. New York is taking a gamble on a player who is probably the better fit around Brunson.
Donte DiVincenzo’s departure isn’t going to be as damaging following the addition of Mikal Bridges. DiVincenzo is the better 3-point shooter but Bridges is the more versatile scorer with elite defense. Bridges can guard 1-4, an asset that will be highlighted alongside OG Anunoby, another lockdown defender.
Karl-Anthony Towns makes Knicks’ starting lineup one of the best in the NBA
Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson give the Knicks one of the best starting lineups in the NBA. Hart and Anunoby can guard power forwards but coach Tom Thibodeau can also insert Precious Achiuwa for Hart. Bridges will be the team’s primary defensive stopper on the perimeter.
The most exciting part of Thibodeau’s new starting five will likely be on offense. Karl-Anthony Towns opens the floor for Jalen Brunson in a way Julius Randle couldn’t. Bridges, Anunoby and Hart can also put up buckets. Stopping the Knicks' offense will be an interesting puzzle for opposing teams to solve.
Thibodeau teams, however, always hang their hats on defense. “KAT” will have to step up on that end to make the mouthwatering combination work.
The new-look New York Knicks face the Boston Celtics on opening night on Oct. 22.