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BLAINE, Minn. — Less than 15 hours after having his world turned upside down by a trade that ended his nine-year tenure in Minnesota, Karl-Anthony Towns made his way to Field 49N at the National Sports Center, a vast youth soccer complex hosting over 300 teams from around the Upper Midwest for the Fall Cup. He had a commitment to fulfill.
Sporting a green Timberwolves cap and a black Timberwolves shirt, he found a spot in the corner of the field under an unusually warm late-September sun, watching an under-12 girls’ match while still processing the fact that the Timberwolves had traded him to the New York Knicks.
His life had been flipped upside down. His phone buzzed non-stop with incoming messages. The trade that sent Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a protected first-round pick to Minnesota was still being processed. Nevertheless, there was Towns, fulfilling a promise made long ago to one of the girls on the green team, that he would come to see her play.
He had anticipated ample opportunities for that. All of a sudden, time became a luxury he didn’t have. A flight to New York was set for the following day, prompting him to hop into the car with his father and friends for the 20-minute drive north of downtown Minneapolis to the field.
As he stood there, parents craned their necks and whispered among themselves; it’s hard to maintain a low profile as a 7-foot, four-time NBA All-Star in such a setting.
Is that Karl-Anthony Towns? It certainly is!
Word began to spread quickly. Girls from other teams who had just finished playing or were about to step on the field approached him, shyly greeting him and asking for photos. He happily obliged and inquired about how their games were progressing. Boys who grumbled about attending their sisters’ matches likely had a different attitude on the car ride home. Referees hurried over as soon as the game concluded.
Almost all conveyed a simple, respectful message: “Thank you.”
Nine years can feel like a long time in the NBA. The girl he had come to see was just three months old when Flip Saunders selected Towns No. 1 overall in 2015. The parents watching him had seen him evolve from a 19-year-old into a 28-year-old man. They witnessed his triumphs (NBA Rookie of the Year, four All-Star games, two All-NBA teams, a 3-point contest title, and last season’s journey to the Western Conference finals), failures (five missed postseasons, playoff challenges against Dallas in 2024, Denver while on an injured knee in 2023, and Houston in 2018), and tragedies (Saunders’ passing from lymphoma before Towns even suited up, and the loss of his mother, Jacqueline, to COVID-19 in 2020).
Many came by to offer their goodbyes, aware he was heading to New York. The children smiled nervously, expressing their sadness at his departure. They voiced their hopes that he would remain.
“Maybe one day you’ll come back,” said a young girl dressed in a white jersey and bright green cleats.
Towns beamed at her words. He encouraged them to enjoy playing and chuckled“`html
The team’s achievements and the way Towns willingly adapted his role to accommodate Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards in recent seasons have left him in a position of great respect as he prepares to depart.
The narrative of the Towns era in Minnesota is not one characterized by disappointment or a broken partnership; instead, it reflects a story of success, showing their ability to remain united through various adversities over the years.
Karl-Anthony Towns is departing the Timberwolves having revitalized the franchise. (AAron Ontiveroz / The Denver Post)
On his inaugural day in Minnesota as a Timberwolves player in 2015, a youthful Towns, along with his parents, strolled through the skyways of downtown Minneapolis adorned with Wolves caps, while fans erupted with excitement at the sight of the player they believed could be the solution to their franchise’s struggles. The family entered the team’s pristine new practice facility, as Jacqueline’s vibrant smile and enthusiasm illuminated the expansive court, while Karl Sr. admired a gift presented by the team to its newest member: a Timberwolves-branded golf bag.
It seemed like a flawless fit. After all, referring to the Twin Cities is merely an elaborate way to highlight Towns. For two consecutive years, the annual general managers survey conducted by NBA.com identified Towns as the player GMs would most want to build their teams around. He consistently found himself in discussions with Nikola Jokić and Joel Embiid regarding the top young big man in basketball. With Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine at his side, the Wolves seemed poised to emerge from a long, bleak winter.
However, as Towns grew older, life became increasingly complex. In 2017, Tom Thibodeau traded LaVine for Jimmy Butler, a pairing that“`html
During KAT’s initial seven years in the league, head coaches came and went at the team’s downtown Minneapolis headquarters, leaving him as the public face of a franchise that continually stumbled.
Fans began to blame him, particularly after Jimmy Butler reached the NBA Finals with the Miami Heat, which became a referendum on who was right and wrong in their turbulent separation. Frustration mounted over his complaints to officials and the reckless passes he sometimes threw, resulting in turnovers.
Towns could occasionally be an easy target. When he got enthused, he made outlandish statements, such as when he appeared on Patrick Beverley’s podcast and claimed that emerging from the Play-In Tournament was, in some respects, as commendable as the Denver Nuggets winning the 2023 championship. He also mentioned that he hadn’t proposed to his girlfriend Jordyn Woods because he was “married to the game.”
Cheesy? Certainly. But ultimately innocuous. Regardless, he became a favorite punching bag in the league. His comments and actions were frequently ridiculed, leading to even sincere gestures—like waving in gratitude to the Target Center crowd after the Wolves’ exit from the 2022 playoffs against Memphis—being the subject of mockery .
He would extend his leg during three-point attempts and hook his defender’s arm while driving, resulting in moments of tension. Towns was dismayed at how Butler was permitted to sabotage an entire season following his trade demand. Managing injuries was often challenging. Last season became tense for a time when KAT scored a franchise-record 62 points against the Charlotte Hornets, but coach Chris Finch could only seethe as his team surrendered the game in the fourth quarter.
What distinguished this partnership was their ability to navigate difficulties together. Nowadays, it’s easy to throw in the towel. Players can look at a situation and think, “Get me out of here,” or organizations can grow frustrated with players and trade them. That never occurred here. They worked through their issues and remained unified. For nine years, an impressive stretch.
Now, Towns departs the Timberwolves having left the organization in a significantly improved state, largely due to how he embraced the arrivals of Gobert and Edwards, adapting his game to enhance theirs. The hiring of Tim Connelly and Finch also contributed to assembling one of the most skilled rosters in the league, with ambitions for another deep playoff run this season.
Moreover, the fans, who once vented their frustrations during the tough times, began to support him in recent years. They defended him against the “soft” label, emphasizing that nothing about a player who faced such personal challenges and chose not to take the easy route could be considered soft. They began to advocate for him when critics made jokes at his expense and celebrated his return to All-Star form last season.
Off the court, his kindness has never been doubted. His annual coat drive has kept thousands of underprivileged children warm. He welcomed families in need to movie screenings at the team facility during Christmas, ensuring all left with gaming systems and Beats headphones. He once came across a social media post that initiated a fundraiser for a man whose car had been stolen three times in one year and simply bought him a new vehicle.
Last season, a local pizza shop received widespread recognition for displaying a sign that said, “Honk if you love Naz Reid.” When the sign maker’s mother passed
5Etfw”>@KarlTowns pic.twitter.com/yx5o8hJ1vC
— K👁🌲🐺🌲 (@Kgformvp211) September 29, 2024
Towns was leaning against a fence while watching the soccer match when a young girl approached him with a simple question.
“Why are you here?”
After a brief pause, he explained that he was there to cheer on his niece, pointing to a 9-year-old who sported the No. 32 on her back. KAT first met Nita and her brother, Owen, when I brought them to one of his practices years ago. He gave them headbands, which convinced Nita that they were bound to be friends forever. She wears No. 32 in his honor and has been known to sleep in a Towns jersey at night.
Just after 12:30 a.m. Saturday, roughly three and a half hours after Connelly had visited him at his home to inform him about the trade, I received a text from “32” inquiring about my children.
“Let me know where you at tomorrow,” the message read. “Do they have any sports or anything?”
I replied that Nita had a tournament, to which he responded that he would attend. Although they had only met briefly a handful of times over the years, KAT frequently checked in to see how they were all doing, particularly during Owen’s health challenges that prevented me from taking a few road trips during the playoffs. He promised to watch them play one day.
“I gotta see my little ones,” he texted. “Just reciprocating love.”
I honestly did not anticipate he would show up, considering how much he had to handle in such a short amount of time. Yet he did. Just like his first day in Minnesota, his second-to-last day involved him wearing Wolves gear and interacting with fans who were thrilled to encounter him. He took pictures with anyone who asked, engaged in friendly conversations with both kids and adults, and shared hugs when offered. He told Owen how proud he was of him for overcoming all that he had faced. A smile remained on his face throughout.
Perhaps he needed this moment as much as they did. It served as a final reminder of the profound impact he has, which extends far beyond the sport of basketball.
When Nita’s game concluded, she approached us at the edge of the field. He took her aside, enveloped her in a warm hug, and spent a moment whispering something to her.
There were two things I chose not to do that day. First, I refrained from asking him for an interview, understanding that he was still grappling with the news and the emotions were raw. Second, I didn’t inquire of Nita regarding what he shared with her.
That moment was theirs alone.
(Top photo of Karl-Anthony Towns: Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBAE via Getty Images)
Karl-Anthony Towns Says Goodbye to Minnesota: A Reflective Farewell Amidst His Trade to the Knicks
The Trade That Shook the Timberwolves
Karl-Anthony Towns, the face of the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise for years, has officially bid farewell to the state that shaped his career. The recent trade to the New York Knicks signifies a monumental shift not only for Towns but also for the Timberwolves organization. With the need to balance their roster and salary cap, Minnesota’s decision to trade KAT was both strategic and emotional.
Reflections on His Time in Minnesota
Throughout his career with the Timberwolves, Towns has been a beacon of hope and talent. Drafted first overall in 2015, he quickly emerged as one of the most skilled big men in the NBA. His impact on the game is undeniable, and his presence in Minnesota will be remembered fondly by fans and teammates alike.
- Rookie of the Year: Towns made an immediate impact, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2016.
- All-Star Appearances: He became a two-time NBA All-Star, showcasing his evolution as a player.
- Community Engagement: Off the court, Towns has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives, making him a beloved figure in Minnesota.
Memorable Moments in a Timberwolves Jersey
While stats and accolades are important, it’s the moments that create a lasting legacy. Some of the most memorable instances from Towns’ career with Minnesota include:
- His game-winning three-pointer against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019, showcasing his clutch ability.
- Leading the Timberwolves to the playoffs in 2018, which was a significant achievement for the franchise.
- His heartfelt tributes to his late mother, which resonated deeply with fans and highlighted his character.
The Dynamics of the Trade
The decision to trade Towns stemmed from the Timberwolves’ need to make room for other players while addressing financial penalties associated with retaining multiple high-salary players like Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid. According to recent analyses, it was becoming increasingly unsustainable for Minnesota to keep their core intact without significant changes elsewhere, such as considering a trade for Jaden McDaniels [[1](https://www.minnpost.com/sports/2024/09/breaking-down-the-minnesota-timberwolves-karl-anthony-towns-trade/)].
What the Knicks Gain
Towns’ trade to the Knicks opens up a plethora of possibilities for both the player and the team. In New York, he joins a roster with a mix of young talent and veteran leadership, potentially making a significant impact.
- Scoring Ability: Towns is known for his versatile scoring, which will be crucial for the Knicks’ offensive scheme.
- Playmaking: His ability to stretch the floor will create opportunities for teammates and open up the paint.
- Defensive Presence: While he has faced criticism for his defense, there’s potential for growth under the right coaching.
Impact on the Timberwolves’ Future
With Towns’ departure, the Timberwolves are faced with a new chapter. The trade has left fans anticipating how the organization will rebuild and re-strategize. Here are some potential impacts:
| Impact Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Roster Changes | The Timberwolves may look to acquire new players or leverage draft picks to fill the gap left by Towns. |
| Team Dynamics | New leadership roles may emerge, providing opportunities for other players to step up. |
| Fan Engagement | While losing a star is difficult, the team might focus on community involvement to retain fan support. |
First-Hand Experiences from Teammates and Coaches
As fans reflect on Towns’ legacy, many former teammates and coaches have shared their thoughts on his influence in the locker room and on the court.
“KAT is not just a phenomenal player but an incredible leader. His work ethic and passion for the game inspired many of us,” said a former teammate.
“We are going to miss his presence. He brought a unique energy to our team,” commented a coach from his tenure in Minnesota.
Looking Ahead
As Karl-Anthony Towns embraces this new chapter with the Knicks, the Timberwolves will need to adapt to life without their star. Fans can expect to see a focus on developing young talent and possibly reshaping the team’s identity. The NBA landscape is constantly evolving, and this trade will undoubtedly have ripple effects throughout the league.
Benefits of the Trade for Towns
- New Opportunities: Moving to a larger market like New York can provide Towns with more visibility and endorsement opportunities.
- Fresh Start: A change of scenery may rejuvenate his career, allowing him to reach new heights.
- Competing at a High Level: The Knicks are looking to be competitive in the Eastern Conference, and Towns can play a pivotal role.
Conclusion
Karl-Anthony Towns’ trade to the New York Knicks marks the end of an era for the Minnesota Timberwolves. As both teams navigate this transition, the impact of this trade will be felt for years to come. For fans, it’s a bittersweet moment, but it also opens the door to new possibilities and challenges in the ever-evolving world of professional basketball.
