Knicks and Timberwolves Finalizing Blockbuster Trade Involving Julius Randle and Karl-Anthony Towns

The New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves are nearing a major trade that will send All-Stars Julius Randle and Karl-Anthony Towns to new teams. According to sources, the deal will see Randle and Donte DiVincenzo heading to Minnesota, while Towns will join the Knicks, strengthening New York’s frontcourt ahead of the new NBA season.

Minnesota will also receive a top-13-protected 2025 first-round pick from New York via Detroit. The trade reportedly involves the Charlotte Hornets as a third team, who will receive draft compensation for facilitating the financial side of the deal.

Discussions between New York and Minnesota had been ongoing throughout the summer but accelerated in recent days with Charlotte’s inclusion. Although the trade is not yet finalized, it's expected to be completed within the next few days.

Karl-Anthony Towns had a quiet reaction to the news that he’s being traded from the Timberwolves to the Knicks. Late Friday, he posted "…" on social media, keeping it short and simple.

(Karl-Anthony Towns via X/Twitter)

Towns, a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, brings career averages of 22.9 points and 10.8 rebounds, shooting an impressive 39.8% from beyond the arc. He’ll fill a crucial role at center for the Knicks, who are currently without Mitchell Robinson due to an ankle injury. Towns, who grew up just outside New York City, is eager to reunite with Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, whom he played under during his time in Minnesota.

Randle, turning 30 in December, averaged 24.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists for the Knicks last season before a shoulder injury ended his season early. He has played some of the best basketball of his career in New York, earning three All-Star selections and two All-NBA team nods. In Minnesota, Randle will reunite with head coach Chris Finch, who worked with him during their time in New Orleans.

DiVincenzo, who signed with the Knicks last summer, will add depth to Minnesota’s roster with his three-point shooting, making a career-high 283 threes last season. Minnesota was interested in DiVincenzo after his stint with the Golden State Warriors and will value his perimeter shooting following Towns’ departure.