On Friday evening, Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski from The Athletics reported the shocking news that Karl-Anthony Towns is being traded to the New York Knicks (via the Minnesota Timberwolves).
Towns had spent all nine seasons of his NBA career with the Timberwolves.
He finished last year with averages of 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 50.4% from the field and 41.6% from three-point range in 62 games.
Via The Athletics: “CONFIRMED: The New York Knicks have acquired Karl-Anthony Towns from Minnesota for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round pick via Detroit.”
CONFIRMED: The New York Knicks have acquired Karl-Anthony Towns from Minnesota for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round pick via Detroit.
H/T @ShamsCharania & @JonKrawczynski
More details: https://t.co/YojvhEYnhu https://t.co/e9xL6CbeKF pic.twitter.com/vellHvzWAQ
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 28, 2024
Thousands of people responded to the news, and one person sent a message after was former NBA coach George Karl.
Karl wrote: “The Knicks got the top talent in this trade. But the chemical impact of this on Knicks and Wolves is difficult to predict.”
The Knicks got the top talent in this trade. But the chemical impact of this for the Knicks and Wolves is difficult to predict. https://t.co/ehCdA1lzLB
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) September 28, 2024
Fans commented on Karl’s post.
@AFellaNamedGus: “That first round is nice for MN.”
However, that first round is fun for MN.
— JustGus (@AFellaNamedGus) September 28, 2024
@William47520451: “Did you say chemistry? Thank you! That’s the x-factor…”
Did you say chemistry? Thank you! That’s the x factor…
— Mangoo the Sherpa#bleeds blue! (@William47520451) September 28, 2024
@goodolburner: “I think the chemistry work will work out just fine
But Minnesota dismantled a feature no other team had: two 7-foot rim protectors.
That’s the antidote to Joker and Denver in our west”
I think the chemistry work will work out just fine
But Minnesota dismantled a feature no other team had: two 7-foot rim protectors.
That’s the antidote to Joker and Denver, our west
— Not my burner (@goodolburner) September 28, 2024
Randle finished last season with averages of 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 47.2% from the field and 31.1% from three-point range in 46 games.
He made his third NBA All-Star Game.
Meanwhile, DiVincenzo averaged 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 44.3% from the field and 40.1% from three-point range in 81 games.