Karl-Anthony Towns left the pack. The trade happened. The jerseys changed. The future began. And somehow, nearly a year later, we still don’t have a final opinion on the Minnesota Timberwolves’ biggest gamble in franchise history.
Minnesota shocked the league last summer when it shipped Towns to the New York Knicks in a blockbuster deal that brought back Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop, and a 2025 top-13 protected first-round pick (via Detroit). At the time, it felt like a crossroads moment, one that would define both franchises for years to come.
So, how’s it going? Both teams would probably say so far, so good! The Timberwolves just advanced to the conference semifinals after giving the Los Angeles Lakers the gentleman's sweep. The Knicks just advanced as well after a thrilling three-point victory over the Detroit Pistons in their closeout game for a 4-2 series win. That's an interesting contrast as far as what both teams' expectations were coming into this season.
Timberwolves win the roster fit matchup, even if the jury’s out
Let’s be honest: The Timberwolves didn’t trade Towns because he was bad. They traded him because it was time. His fit next to Rudy Gobert had grown awkward, and the franchise knew that Anthony Edwards was ready to be the main guy. What they got in return wasn’t a star-for-star swap; it was about balance, grit, and finally building a team around Edwards.
Randle brought physicality and interior presence as well as floor spacing. Donte DiVincenzo? A revelation. His perimeter defense and shot-making have been crucial, especially in the playoffs. Not to mention, their future first-round pick can be used to acquire another quality piece through the draft or be used for a trade in the offseason.
This team didn’t just get deeper. It got tougher. It got smarter. The way the offense is running has become clearer than in years past. And most importantly, it got out of the first round against the star-studded Lakers.
Meanwhile in Manhattan
Over in Manhattan, Towns is putting up numbers. He always will. He’s that talented. But the Knicks didn’t trade for stats, they traded to get over the hump. And for now, that piece of the puzzle hasn’t looked like a surefire thing.
Towns' fit alongside Jalen Brunson and the Knicks’ bruising style has been good at best. His defense is still inconsistent, and his post touches haven’t translated to the postseason the way the Knicks initially had hoped. They played more games in the Pistons series against a team full of first-timers than initially thought. On paper, that series should have been over fairly quickly, and it was seconds away from a Game 7.
Towns no doubt gave Minnesota a lot of memories, and he was amazing during his time with the Timberwolves. But they never could get to the top with him being the main option. The Knicks giving up the amount of assets that they did to acquire him clearly shows that they believe they saw enough from him to give them that extra push they needed. Tom Thibodeau also has a lot of pressure after inheriting KAT to an already stacked Knicks roster, including Mikal Bridges.
Is Towns the guy to take them over the top? Can he coexist in Thibs’ system long-term? And most importantly, was the trade worth it? Those questions will be answered in due time, but for now, the verdict is still out as far as this team's expectations after the trade was made.
Minnesota’s playing the long game and it looks good so far
Here’s the truth: Nobody’s handing out trophies for “winning the trade” in year one. But right now? The Timberwolves feel like they made the right move. Towns' presence in the scoring department did bring excitement, yes, but the team hasn’t missed a beat. DiVincenzo has been a seamless fit. Randle is the perfect complement to Rudy Gobert. Edwards is blossoming into a superstar with full control. The locker room feels unified. The vibes? Elite.
As for Towns, he may be alive in the playoffs still, but Minnesota is alive in a different way: hungry, dangerous, and suddenly viewed as one of the West’s true rising powers. When Towns was there, they weren't viewed in the same light.
The Knicks have a lot of pressure to win this year from everything they've given up to be where they are now. If these two teams somehow meet in the Finals, that would be the ultimate answer to this final opinion on the subject.
For now, the Knicks have to worry about getting over that hump and it will be very telling as to how Towns responds to that pressure to have them achieve that goal. As far as the Timberwolves go, they will go as Edwards goes, and in year one of being the lone superstar on the team, he's shining brighter than ever.
Final verdict: Still pending.
The Knicks have no choice but to look forward to their win-now situation. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves aren’t looking back while being in that coveted sweet spot of contending not only now but in the future as well. If this core keeps trending upward, there will be banners hung in the Target Center very soon.