Karl-Anthony Towns said he remains shocked by his trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the New York Knicks one year after the blockbuster deal. The Knicks big man made the admission following Wednesday’s 137-114 victory over his former team at Madison Square Garden.
“I’m still stunned, I mean, I’m still stunned. It’s weird,” Towns said after the game.
Towns spent nine seasons with the Timberwolves before being traded to New York on the eve of last season’s training camp. The deal sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota in exchange for Towns.
“I feel more like a Knick now after everything we went through last year, but it’s weird to see that Wolves jersey — especially the fire black one — and not see ‘Towns’ on the back of it,” Towns said.
The trade shocked many observers because Minnesota had just reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004. Towns appeared to be a cornerstone alongside Anthony Edwards for the resurgent franchise.
Towns admitted he nearly referred to the Timberwolves as “we” during his postgame interview, revealing the deep connection he maintains with the organization.
“Built something special there,” Towns said. “It’s different when you’re in process and now you’re going against the process. They’re a great team. To see what they’re doing right now, special, and I expect nothing less than greatness from them.”
Towns remains in frequent contact with his former teammates, communicating “every day, if not every other day.” He noted that many plays once designed for him now go to former Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid.
“It’s always great when you see your brothers,” Towns said. “Ant, becoming the face of the league. Me and Rudy [Gobert], years and years of battles against each other, turning teammates, having a close bond. It was really good to compete against my brothers. It’s deeper than basketball. It’s family.”
Towns recorded 15 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 31 minutes. He had memorable plays including backing down Edwards for a dunk and another over Gobert.
Randle performed well in his return to Madison Square Garden, posting 32 points, five rebounds and four assists in the loss.
“Man, he dunked on me today,” Edwards said. “I didn’t jump, though. But yeah, he backed me down. But he’s strong as hell. And he’s 7 feet tall.”