Timberwolves stun the NBA by sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks

This wasn't a deal the Wolves made ahead of a free agency window or trade deadline while negotiations are ongoing, but rather an opportunity they felt they couldn't pass up. And the Knicks needed help at center since Mitchell Robinson had to miss time early in the season with ankle surgery.

The hallmark of Towns' game was his efficient offense; In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 21.8 points per game while shooting 41.6% from three-point range. He earned his fourth All-Star appearance and is a two-time All-NBA player. The Wolves had just the 17th-best offensive efficiency in the NBA last season, and his place in the starting lineup will be taken by a player who wasn't as efficient as him.

Randle, who like Towns spent his one season of college basketball at Kentucky, has been a lightning rod for Knicks fans because of his poor playoff performances, but most recently he is averaging 24 points per game on 47% shooting (31% from beyond the arc three-point range). Season. He will start at the power forward position. Wolves coach Chris Finch and Randle crossed paths when both were in New Orleans when Randle played one season with the Pelicans.

The three-time All-Star, who turns 30 in November, suffered a shoulder dislocation in January and underwent surgery in April.

DiVincenzo, 27, played on two NCAA title teams at Villanova; The Knicks squad also includes three of his college teammates: Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and Brunson. DiVincenzo is coming off his best NBA season; He averaged 15.5 points and shot a career-best 40% from three-point range. He started 63 games for the Knicks last season, but is expected to come off the bench with Edwards and Mike Conley manning the Wolves' backcourt. DiVincenzo should ease the pressure on No. 8 overall pick Rob Dillingham to contribute immediately.

Bates-Diop returns to Minnesota, where he began his career after the team took him with the 48th overall pick out of Ohio State in 2018. The Wolves traded him to Denver in 2020 and he has also played for the Spurs, Suns and Nets.