The New York Knicks have concluded another big-time move before the start of the NBA season after acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. As Shams Charania reported, New York is nearing a deal that will send Julius Randle along with Donte DiVinzenco to Minnesota for the All-Star center.
The move for Towns could be labelled as the second blockbuster deal for the Knicks this summer after the addition of Mikal Bridges. Towns will team up with Jalen Brunson, who has already signed a long-term extension with the franchise.
Knicks are sending salary — including DaQuan Jeffries — and draft compensation to Charlotte in three-team Karl-Anthony Towns/Julius Randle deal, sources tell me and @JonKrawczynski. https://t.co/dP4x8dTvr9
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 28, 2024
As it was reported by Ian Begley, DiVincenzo did not like the Knicks’ plan to move him to the bench with Bridges taking his place in the starting five. The Big Ragu was coming off a breakout season with the Knicks.
He went on to set a single-season record for most successful three-pointers in a single Knicks season and averaged 17.8 points during the playoffs. The Charlotte Hornets will act as a third team in the trade as New York is set to send extra salary to the rebuilding team in order to stabilize their financial situation cap-wise and complete the Towns’ trade.
Towns makes the Knicks an instant favorite in the East
The New York Knicks were already among the favorites in the Eastern Conference even without Karl -Anthony Towns. With Towns on the roster, Tom Thibodeau can easily matchup against the defending champions, the Boston Celtics. The 4-time All-Star is already a strong addition that could reshape the landscape in the East.
The Knicks will be able to matchup well against the Celtics’ frontline, headlined by Kristaps Porzingis, while they add another big body to put against another potential contender, the Philadelphia 76ers. With the addition of a strong supporting cast in the wing led by Bridges and Josh Hart, New York might safely accept the role of the title favorite in the Eastern Conference.
Moreover, Towns offers one more offensive option in the defense-heavy Knicks’ roster and he will be able to stretch the floor and open space for Jalen Brunson. Brunson will be feeling comfortable with Towns and Bridges as the second and third options in his team.
