Karl-Anthony Towns trade grades: Who won the Knicks-Timberwolves deal?

(This story was updated to add new information.)

How about THAT for a Friday news dump in the NBA?

Shams Charania broke news that the New York Knicks were nearing a trade for Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns, a deal that would involve a former All-Star in Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, a member of the former Villanova players on the roster.

Now: these are incomplete grades, but we’re doing them anyway because it seems like there’s a basic format in place. A third team probably needs to get involved in order for it all to go through, so we’ll revisit these. For now, let’s break down each team as it stands.

The trade, per reports

Knicks get: Karl-Anthony Towns

Timberwolves get: Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle and a first-round pick (via the Pistons)

Wolves getting Detroit first owed to Knicks in this deal

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) September 28, 2024

Because of the apron restrictions for both teams, details are still being worked, sources tell ESPN.

New York is $7.6M below the second apron.

Minnesota cannot take back more money in a trade.

One name not involved is Deuce McBride, according to sources. https://t.co/LlAfarnvQ1

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) September 28, 2024

Knicks grade

Julius Randle was an All-Star for this franchise, a player who signed with them and blossomed into a great offensive player who proved he could be more than a role player.

That said, he wasn’t the right fit for the roster now. And that’s OK! He’s still going to contend with the T-Wolves with Anthony Edwards. And as for Divincenzo? He might have fought for minutes on a team that’s suddenly deep at the wing.

KAT comes in and replaces Randle’s offense, but as a better fit. He’ll open up the floor even more for the offense and, like in Minnesota, concerns about his defense will presumably be covered up once Mitch Robinson comes back healthy.

A deal you make every single time.

GRADE: A

Timberwolves grade

Towns was pretty darn good with Rudy Gobert in the middle. Took some time, but it worked. And maybe the thinking here is that you don’t take too much of an offense step back with Randle, while also opening things up for Edwards, a bona fide No. 1 superstar in the making.

KAT was thriving in his role last year by hitting 41.6 percent from three. Randle isn’t quite that good, but also remember that Randle’s contract expires after this season with a player option in 2025. So there might be flexibility as the franchise builds around Edwards.

Let’s not forget that DiVincenzo emerged as a solid two-way talent last year for the Knicks. He adds scoring, shooting and defense to the T-Wolves backcourt.

GRADE: A-

UPDATE: the Hornets are involved!

Knicks are sending salary — including DaQuan Jeffries — and draft compensation to Charlotte in three-team Karl-Anthony Towns/Julius Randle deal, sources tell me and @JonKrawczynski. https://t.co/dP4x8dTvr9

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 28, 2024

Hornets grade

If you are rebuilding, you do stuff like this to get draft picks.

GRADE: A+, why not