The Minnesota Timberwolves and the New York Knicks finally agreed to the long-anticipated blockbuster deal on Friday night, sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the Big Apple. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Jon Krawcynski , the Timberwolves will receive three players, headlined by Julius Randle, and a protected 2025 first-round draft pick from the Knicks. Meanwhile, Charlotte was included in the deal, with the Hornets receiving DaQuan Jeffries and draft compensation from the Knicks.
NBA Trade Grades: What the KAT- Julius Randle 3-Team Deal Means For Each Franchise Going Forward? Since the Knicks have been “hot to trot after Towns for years,” why did the Timberwolves decide to pull the trigger now? Krawcynzki, in another story , said it all had to do with the Wolves’ salary situation. The Wolves are projected to be well above the second apron for the next few seasons, and some key youngsters’ contracts are set to expire. As the Timberwolves analyzed their cap situation and looked at the landscape across the league, it was getting harder and harder for the Wolves to see a scenario where they could keep this team intact beyond this season, team sources said.
[Anthony] Edwards is beginning a five-year max contract this season, Gobert has two years remaining on his max and Towns was starting a four-year, $220 million max extension this season. Add to it big raises for [Jaden] McDaniels this season and [Naz] Reid last season, and the Wolves had entered the dreade.