The Minnesota Timberwolves have traded star big man Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks.
The Knicks sent forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo, and a future first-round pick to the Timberwolves in exchange for Towns, per NBA insider Shams Charania.
New York is sending salary — including DaQuan Jeffries — and draft compensation to Charlotte in the three-team deal.
Towns has spent his entire nine-year career with Minnesota since being drafted first overall in 2015.
He averaged 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game during the 2023-24 NBA season after missing much of the prior season due to injury.
Towns was reportedly shocked by the trade, as he was preparing for the Timberwolves’ upcoming season.
The Timberwolves recently made the Western Conference Finals, and Towns expected to remain a crucial part of the team’s core.
New York has long pursued Towns, finally securing their target under team president Leon Rose.
The Knicks, coming off a 50-win season, continue to make significant roster upgrades following their acquisition of Mikal Bridges earlier this summer.
Towns, a native of the New York area, also reunites with Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, who previously coached him in Minnesota.
Tensions between the two during Thibodeau’s time with the Timberwolves have reportedly been resolved.
The Timberwolves benefit from the trade by gaining flexibility with Randle and DiVincenzo, who earn less than Towns’ $49 million salary for the upcoming season.
Minnesota also secures a first-round pick, which is top-13 protected in 2025 and converts to a second-rounder if not conveyed by 2027.
Randle, 29, is coming off shoulder surgery and will have the option to become a free agent in the summer of 2025.
With Towns gone, the Timberwolves are now built around rising star Anthony Edwards and young talents like Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid.
This deal is seen as a move to extend Edwards’ playoff window, with Minnesota hoping to build a long-term contender around him.
The Knicks, meanwhile, now possess a dominant frontcourt led by Towns, who complements Jalen Brunson and Mitchell Robinson.
