Anthony Edwards, the face of the Minnesota Timberwolves, expressed his emotional reaction to the pending blockbuster NBA trade that will send longtime teammate Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks.
Towns, who has been a cornerstone for Minnesota since being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, was traded in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a future first-round pick via the Detroit Pistons. The trade marks a significant shift for the Timberwolves, and Edwards didn’t hide his feelings when asked about the move at Timberwolves media day.
Edwards on Losing Towns: ‘It Really Hurt’
During Timberwolves media day, Edwards admitted that seeing Towns leave “really hurt” because of their close bond over the past four seasons. Towns had been a major figure throughout Edwards’ early NBA career, providing veteran leadership and anchoring the team’s frontcourt alongside Rudy Gobert.
Edwards shared his understanding of the situation, recognizing that the NBA is “a business” and emphasizing that he’s ready to move forward with new teammates. As he told Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Edwards is focused on building new chemistry with Randle and DiVincenzo, as Minnesota shifts into a new era.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks Updates
Despite the emotional impact of losing Towns, Edwards appears determined to lead the Timberwolves and remain a focal point of their future. With his leadership and elite scoring ability, the Timberwolves are counting on Edwards to take another step forward, now with Randle and DiVincenzo alongside him.
Towns’ Departure Shakes Up the Timberwolves’ Future
Karl-Anthony Towns spent the entirety of his nine-year career with the Timberwolves before the trade. He was a central figure not only in the team’s recent playoff pushes but also in the development of Edwards, who now takes on an even greater responsibility. Towns’ departure represents a new chapter for both the Timberwolves and the Knicks.
For the Knicks, Towns solidifies their frontcourt as they aim to address the void left by the sidelined Mitchell Robinson. The trade gives Towns a fresh opportunity in New York, where he’ll look to be a major contributor in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks Updates
As for Minnesota, the arrival of Randle and DiVincenzo brings fresh talent and new dynamics to a team still aiming for its first NBA Finals appearance. Edwards, now the clear leader, will look to build chemistry with his new teammates and push the Timberwolves to new heights.
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.