Knicks Trade for Karl-Anthony Towns, Send Randle, DiVincenzo, First-Round Pick to Minnesota

The New York Knicks are close to finalizing a trade for four-time All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns, according to league sources. In return, the Knicks will send the Minnesota Timberwolves a package that includes forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo, and a future first-round pick.

Towns, 28, has spent his entire nine-year career with the Timberwolves after being drafted first overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. He averaged 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, returning to All-Star form after missing much of the previous season due to a knee injury.

After winning 50 games last season—their most in a decade—the Knicks have made significant moves to bolster a roster centered around 28-year-old point guard Jalen Brunson. Along with acquiring Towns, they also brought in wing Mikal Bridges in an early-summer trade with the Brooklyn Nets and re-signed forward OG Anunoby.

The Timberwolves are coming off a successful 56-win season that saw them reach the Western Conference Finals, led by the rising star Anthony Edwards. Randle, 29, was an All-Star for the third time last season but underwent shoulder surgery in April and is expected to be re-evaluated in five months. DiVincenzo, 27, had a career-high average of 15.5 points per game last season, shooting 40.1% from three-point range. This trade marks his fifth NBA team in four seasons.

Additionally, the Knicks will send DaQuan Jeffries and future draft compensation to the Charlotte Hornets as part of the deal.

What This Means for the Knicks?

The Knicks finally have a player they've coveted for years. They reached out to the Timberwolves about Towns in previous seasons, and now, with team president Leon Rose—who once led the basketball division at CAA, the agency representing Towns—at the helm, the trade is a reality.

Towns brings essential elements the Knicks desperately need, especially after recent injury news regarding Mitchell Robinson, who is targeting a December return following ankle surgery. Towns provides size and shooting; there aren't many 7-footers in NBA history with his shooting ability. With only Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims as their healthy centers, the Knicks now gain much-needed support on the boards, an area head coach Tom Thibodeau emphasizes.

How the Knicks Compensate for Randle and DiVincenzo’s Departures?

Randle has been a key player in the Knicks' recent success, helping to reshape the team's image over the past five years. He made three All-Star teams and two All-NBA teams during his time in New York, consistently averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds while offering unique playmaking skills thanks to his size and strength. 

Towns can replicate much of what Randle brought to the team—albeit with a different style, utilizing his extensive post moves as a 7-footer.

DiVincenzo’s departure signals the end of the so-called “Nova Knicks.” He recently set a franchise record for three-pointers made in a season, but Towns, a 40% shooter from long range, should help maintain the team's offensive spacing.

The Knicks' depth may take a hit; previously, DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, and Miles McBride were all expected to come off the bench. With DiVincenzo gone, Hart is likely to step into a starting role, while McBride could see an increased role.

This trade marks a significant shift in the team's identity once again.