New reports confirm that Karl-Anthony Towns is still grappling with the emotional impact of his trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the New York Knicks a year ago. Following the Knicks’ decisive 137-114 victory over his former team on October 25, 2023, Towns expressed his ongoing disbelief at the trade, stating, “I’m still stunned… it’s weird.”
As Towns took to the court against the Timberwolves, he reflected on his past with the franchise, which he left after nine seasons. The trade, which sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota, shocked fans and players alike, especially after the Timberwolves reached the Western Conference finals last year – their first since the Kevin Garnett era in 2004.
Towns admitted that although he feels more like a Knick now, seeing the familiar Timberwolves jersey was a poignant reminder of his past. “It’s different when you’re in process and now you’re going against the process,” he noted, emphasizing his continued affection for his former teammates.
Despite the emotional turmoil, Towns delivered a strong performance on the court, scoring 15 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists in 31 minutes of play. His former teammates, including Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, remain close friends, with Towns maintaining daily communication with them.
“Built something special there,” Towns said, highlighting the bond he retains with the Timberwolves. His competitive spirit was evident during the game, as he showcased his skills by backing down Edwards for a powerful dunk. Edwards took the moment in stride, humorously acknowledging the challenge of defending against a towering 7-footer.
This matchup marks Towns’ second encounter with the Timberwolves since the trade, and it underscores the emotional complexity of competing against a team he once called home. With both the Knicks and Timberwolves hoping to ascend even higher in the upcoming season, fans are left wondering about the future of these teams and the players at their cores.
The Knicks, fueled by Towns’ contributions and the performance of Randle, who scored 32 points, are eager to build momentum as the season progresses. As for the Timberwolves, they continue to evolve with Edwards stepping into a leadership role.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as both teams aim for greatness this season.
