The New York Knicks have finally acquired an All-Star player in a major trade, but the reaction from many NBA teams has been surprisingly mixed.
Karl-Anthony Towns was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Knicks in a blockbuster deal last week. In exchange, New York sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota. The Knicks also received Keita Bates-Diop and a protected first-round pick from the Detroit Pistons.
While the Knicks landed the best player in the trade, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on Thursday that many NBA executives feel the Timberwolves might have come out ahead.
"I was kind of surprised … at how many executives I talked to who felt like the Timberwolves won this trade." đź‘€
—@WindhorstESPN on how Julius Randle and Donte Divencenzo will fit with Anthony Edwards and the Wolves 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gxKfF3VgCY
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 3, 2024
“I was surprised by how many executives felt like the Timberwolves won this trade,” Windhorst said. “Normally, you’d think the team that got the best player—Towns—would be the clear winner. But executives are focusing on how Minnesota rebalanced its roster, adding Julius Randle and DiVincenzo, which bolsters their depth and takes pressure off Rob Dillingham, their lottery pick. Additionally, they reduced their long-term payroll by moving Towns, who has a huge contract.”
Towns, 28, is beginning a four-year, $220 million contract, which placed Minnesota well above the $188.9 million second apron for next season, triggering harsh financial penalties. By trading Towns, the Timberwolves created more flexibility and saved a significant amount of money.
While this move may not sit well with Timberwolves fans who wanted to keep their four-time All-Star, NBA executives see the trade as a smart move that sets Minnesota up for a better future.
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