The New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves are on the verge of finalizing a blockbuster trade that will send Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks, multiple outlets reported Friday. The deal, which is expected to include Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo heading to Minnesota, is “still on track but not completed yet,” according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
As part of the trade, the Timberwolves will also receive a protected first-round pick from the Detroit Pistons, while the Charlotte Hornets will acquire DaQuan Jeffries and additional draft compensation for facilitating the deal. Although the trade has not been officially completed, it is expected to proceed shortly, with the only delay impacting player media availability before training camp.
Knicks Address Critical Frontcourt Needs
For New York, the acquisition of Towns comes at a vital time. The Knicks are dealing with injuries and roster changes that left a gap at the center position. Starting center Mitchell Robinson is expected to miss several months due to injury, and backup Isaiah Hartenstein departed in free agency. Without a reliable presence in the paint, New York turned to the trade market to address its frontcourt needs.
Towns, a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 62 games for the Timberwolves last season. Known as one of the league’s top perimeter-shooting big men, he will bring versatility to the Knicks’ offense. His ability to space the floor should create more driving lanes for guards Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart while complementing the perimeter threats posed by Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks Updates
New York sees Towns as a perfect fit with its core, which has been built around younger players all under the age of 30. Towns’ skill set also makes the Knicks more dangerous offensively, allowing them to play a more dynamic style. While there are concerns about the team’s interior defense in Robinson’s absence, the Knicks view this trade as an opportunity to fill a major need in their rotation.
Timberwolves Add Scoring Punch with Randle, DiVincenzo
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are gaining an established star in Randle, who averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 46 games last season for the Knicks. Randle’s versatility will give Minnesota a more dynamic frontcourt alongside Rudy Gobert, while his scoring ability will ease the burden on Anthony Edwards, the team’s rising star.
Adding Donte DiVincenzo was a key part of the negotiations. Although the Knicks were initially hesitant to include the sharpshooter, Minnesota was insistent on his involvement. DiVincenzo, who set the Knicks’ single-season record for three-pointers last season, provides the Timberwolves with another valuable perimeter threat and solid defender. His ability to knock down shots from long range will help Minnesota spread the floor and give Edwards more room to operate.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks Updates
The Timberwolves, eager to build a competitive core around Edwards and Gobert, are banking on Randle and DiVincenzo to help push the team into playoff contention. The addition of a protected first-round pick from Detroit also bolsters their future assets, giving them more flexibility in upcoming drafts.
Trade Details Still in Progress
While the core pieces of the trade are clear, some details remain unresolved. As part of the deal, Charlotte is expected to facilitate the trade by acquiring Jeffries and receiving additional draft compensation. The Knicks also waived Marcus Morris Sr. and Chuma Okeke to clear roster space for the incoming players. The roster shuffling includes sign-and-trade options for DaQuan Jeffries, Charlie Brown Jr., and Duane Washington Jr., though Washington would need to be bought out from his current team in Europe for the trade to proceed smoothly.
Despite the pending paperwork, the trade is expected to go through soon. Once finalized, this will mark the Knicks’ third significant trade in the past year, following earlier acquisitions of Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. The Knicks are clearly positioning themselves as contenders for the upcoming season with a high payroll and a core of proven talent.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks Updates
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, will continue to build around Edwards, with Randle and DiVincenzo providing additional scoring, shooting, and experience.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
