Reflection on Trade
In a poignant reflection following a commanding 137-114 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Karl-Anthony Towns expressed his lingering shock over last year’s trade that sent him from Minnesota to the New York Knicks. After a year in his new role, Towns remarked,
“I’m still stunned, it’s a strange feeling.”
Emotional Connections
The All-Star forward found himself particularly struck by the sight of the Timberwolves’ throwback jersey, a nod to the franchise’s past star, Kevin Garnett, during its heyday in the late 90s and early 2000s. Towns spent nine seasons with Minnesota and had established himself as a key player alongside Anthony Edwards. The unexpected trade occurred just before last year’s training camp, when the Knicks acquired Towns in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo—a move that shocked many, especially considering the Wolves had just reached the Western Conference finals for the first time in nearly two decades.
While the Knicks viewed Towns as a strong complement to their star guard, Jalen Brunson, the Timberwolves were motivated by financial considerations, looking to release salary constraints linked to Towns’ contract. Despite this business arrangement, the emotional connection remains strong for Towns, who caught himself referring to his old team as “we” during a postgame session, highlighting the bond he continues to feel.
Admiration for Former Team
“We built something special there,”
he said of the Timberwolves, acknowledging the tough journey the franchise has been on. Towns mentioned how fruitful the current season has been for Minnesota and expressed his admiration:
“To see what they’re doing right now is special. I expect nothing less than greatness from them.”
Continued Connections
Both teams advanced past the first round in the postseason last year and are aiming for even greater achievements this season. Towns keeps in regular touch with many of his former teammates, communicating almost daily, and noted how playcalling responsibilities have transitioned to his replacement, Naz Reid.
“It’s always great to see your brothers,”
Towns said referring to his former teammates, praising Edwards’ rise to stardom and recounting his battles with Rudy Gobert, who has now become a close ally. For Towns, their relationships extend beyond basketball; they share a familial bond.
Game Performance
This matchup was not a first for Towns against his old squad—he faced them once previously and performed well again this time, contributing 15 points, 10 boards, 4 assists, and 2 blocks in 31 minutes of play. Despite suffering the loss, Randle made a notable return to Madison Square Garden with an impressive 32 points. Towns had some eye-catching moments during the game, including a powerful dunk over Edwards, who responded with humor, noting Towns’ immense strength and height advantage.
“Man, he dunked on me today,”
Edwards said with a chuckle, acknowledging the fierce physical presence that Towns brings to the court.
Looking Ahead
As both the Knicks and Timberwolves look to build upon their competitive successes, Towns remains firmly connected to his roots in Minnesota, balancing professionalism with personal ties to his former team and teammates.
