The final weekend of the NBA offseason has brought yet another blockbuster trade involving two teams with championship aspirations.
Karl-Anthony Towns is headed to the New York Knicks, while the Minnesota Timberwolves will receive Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, according to ESPN sources. The deal also includes a 2025 top-13 protected first-round pick for the Timberwolves, with the Charlotte Hornets securing draft compensation to help facilitate the trade.
Towns, a four-time All-Star, has spent nine seasons with the Timberwolves since being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in 2015. The big man, who averaged 22.9 points per game, will reunite with Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, under whom he played from 2016 to 2019.
Randle, a three-time All-Star forward, has been sidelined since January due to a shoulder injury that required surgery in April. Meanwhile, DiVincenzo, a six-year veteran sharpshooter, posted career highs last season in games played (81) and 3-point shooting (40%).
Here’s what NBA insiders are saying about this major move.
How does Towns fit in New York?
Ramona Shelburne: The Knicks had a pressing need at center following Isaiah Hartenstein’s exit and Mitchell Robinson’s injury. By acquiring Towns, they’ve added a top-tier center. His 39% career 3-point shooting should help balance New York’s offense.
Chris Herring: This trade clearly addresses the Knicks’ issues at center. With Hartenstein gone and Robinson out after ankle surgery, Towns steps in as an offensive powerhouse and a No. 2 option. While he’s familiar with Thibodeau’s system, his style is less physical compared to Randle and DiVincenzo.
Bobby Marks: One team described Towns’ fit in New York as “seamless.” The Knicks were desperate for a center, and Towns offers much-needed versatility as a stretch 5. He’s one of just four players to average 20 points with 50% shooting and 40% from deep last season, and he’s already comfortable playing for Thibodeau.
How does Randle fit in Minnesota? Will he stay there?
Shelburne: This trade works because of Naz Reid’s emergence. Though Reid may continue coming off the bench, questions remain about the spacing between Randle and Rudy Gobert. However, Wolves coach Chris Finch, who worked with Randle during his breakout season in New Orleans, is a fan.
Herring: Minnesota seems to be taking a long-term view with Randle. He has the option to leave after this season, giving the Timberwolves more financial flexibility compared to Towns’ hefty contract. DiVincenzo, a top-tier shooter on a great value deal, will also be pivotal for Minnesota.
Marks: The big question is whether Randle will stay long-term. He has a $30.9 million player option for next season but could also sign a four-year, $181 million extension. For now, Randle offers Minnesota an All-NBA forward to pair with Gobert while improving roster flexibility. Before his shoulder injury, Randle had a career-high streak of 19 consecutive 20-point games.
Who’s the biggest winner in this trade?
Shelburne: The Knicks, who have gone all-in this summer by acquiring Mikal Bridges, extending Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, and now adding Towns. While they’re up against the salary cap and have given up draft capital, this is a strong play for a sustained title run.
Herring: It’s hard to say just yet. I was eager to see how the Knicks looked with Bridges, and now Towns is in the mix instead of Randle and DiVincenzo, giving them a different dynamic. Minnesota, on the other hand, has bolstered its wing scoring and gained more financial flexibility.
Marks: It’s too early to tell. The Knicks have made bold moves, trading for Bridges and absorbing Towns’ $220 million contract, while keeping key players like Deuce McBride and Josh Hart. Minnesota, meanwhile, remains a top-four Western Conference team but will depend on Randle’s health.
DiVincenzo’s perimeter shooting adds stability to a young Wolves team—his 241 catch-and-shoot 3-pointers last season were the most in the league, according to Second Spectrum.
