A recent report has shed light on the Minnesota Timberwolves’ unexpected decision to trade Karl-Anthony Towns just a week before preseason begins.
This summer was relatively quiet for the Timberwolves, with rumors circulating about a potential Towns trade due to the future salary cap implications of his contract. However, as time passed, it seemed likely that KAT would return to team up with star Anthony Edwards for another Finals push.
This changed last week when it was announced that the Wolves and Knicks had finally finalized a long-discussed deal to send the four-time All-Star to New York. The timing was surprising, coming just before the preseason and marking a sudden end to his nine-year tenure in Minnesota.
Various reports have emerged regarding the organization’s reasoning for this bold move now rather than waiting for February’s trade deadline. On Monday, veteran NBA insider Marc Stein provided additional insights in his latest Substack piece.
Stein noted that many within the league were caught off guard by the timing of the trade. Ultimately, the Knicks were eager to bolster their center position and presented an offer the Timberwolves couldn’t refuse. This was particularly significant, given that they could allocate part of the $220 million owed to Towns towards re-signing popular players like Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Stein outlined three primary reasons why Tim Connelly opted for this trade, and some details about Julius Randle add an intriguing layer.
1. **Coaching Familiarity:** “Coach Chris Finch worked with Randle as an assistant in New Orleans and knows his game very well.” Finch’s previous experience with Randle likely influenced the decision. While he valued Towns, he believes he can optimize Randle’s performance for at least a season.
2. **Previous Free Agency Interest:** “Minnesota, league sources say, was the losing finalist to New York in free agency in 2023 when DiVincenzo chose to sign with the Knicks and never stopped wanting the rugged 3-and-D swingman.” The Timberwolves were reportedly a strong contender to sign Donte DiVincenzo last summer before he chose the Knicks, where he had a breakout season, shooting 40.1% from beyond the arc, all at a reasonable $11.4 million this year.
3. **Need for Playmaking:** “The Wolves need an infusion of playmaking on a roster that features 37-year-old Mike Conley and rookie Rob Dillingham as the primary point guards… Randle’s ability to make plays could (stress: could) offset the concerns about his inconsistent long-range shooting and what that might mean for Minnesota’s spacing.” Stein highlights the uncertainty surrounding Randle; despite his recent strong performances, his stock had previously declined. Fortunately for the Timberwolves, they are not committed to Randle beyond 2025, as he has a player option for $30 million.
