Sad to see the guys go, but this team is aiming for the O’Brien.
The New York Knicks have swung for the fences, trading Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns. The move, while surprising to some, addresses a glaring need at center and the many of the concerns surrounding Randle’s fit with the team, plus it brings a fresh dynamic to a roster looking to make a deeper playoff push. This trade makes sense for the Knicks and what it means moving forward.
Playoff Struggles and Injury Concerns
With Mitchell Robinson recovering from ankle surgery, New York’s opening night center would have been either Precious Achiuwa or Jericho Sims. Precious is a fine player but he does not fit the profile of a Tom-Thibodeau-rim-rattler. Jericho Sims may develop into a solid back-up center, but he is not an anchor-in-the-paint for a championship-caliber team. Recently we learned that Mitch might be sidelined for three more months of recovery, or longer, and given his injury history, he could easily go down with another ding before the playoffs. In KAT, the Knicks will have one of the league’s top bigs—who can actually shoot, and will be available on opening night (barring any training camp boo boos).
Julius Randle is coming off a significant shoulder surgery, which makes his future performance uncertain. Additionally, his playoff performances have been a major point of contention for Knicks fans. Despite regular-season success, Randle has struggled when it matters most. His shooting percentages drop and he gets the yips, raising doubts about his ability to be a go-to guy in high-pressure moments.
Given that Randle is angling for a new contract, the Knicks faced a tough decision: pay a premium for a player with health concerns and questionable playoff productivity was a gamble the Knicks weren’t willing to take.
The Limitations of Randle’s Game
Randle’s inconsistent outside shooting and tendency to be a ball stopper have been problematic for the Knicks’ offensive flow. His streakiness from beyond the arc allowed defenses to sag off him, limiting opportunities for other players. Moreover, Randle’s inclination to over-dribble often stalled the offense, forcing teammates to watch rather than participate in the action. Defenses won’t be able to ignore KAT, which will create more open shots for Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby.
Defensively, Randle’s inability to play the center position and his lack of rim protection were glaring weaknesses. Thibs said he was comfortable with Julius filling in at the five—he didn’t say he loved it.
Without Mitch, the Knicks would be outmatched and outrebounded against the league’s biggest bigs. Finding a trade partner for a player with such limitations was always going to be tough, but it was necessary to avoid losing him for nothing if the Knicks chose not to offer a max contract.
Why KAT is a Better Fit
Karl-Anthony Towns brings a skill set that complements the Knicks’ current roster and addresses their biggest need. For starters, KAT is under contract, offering the Knicks security without the immediate pressure of negotiating a new deal. Furthermore, he is a legitimate shooter from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor will be a tremendous asset, especially for Jalen Brunson, who thrives when given space to operate.
Towns also showed improved defense during the playoffs, especially in matchups against elite big men like Nikola Jokić. He looked stronger than expected and demonstrated that he could hold his own in the paint. This is crucial for a Knicks team that has struggled with interior defense and lacked a reliable rim protector. They’ll be able to switch more effectively on defense and adapt to different matchups. Ultimately, Towns’ mobility and ability to defend multiple positions make him a better fit against the likes of Joel Embiid in Philly and Kristaps Porziņģis of the Celtics.
The Knicks Will Absorb the Loss of DiVo’s Shooting
The hardest part of this trade to swallow might be the loss of Donte DiVincenzo. The marksman played a career year in his one season with New York. On what became a bargain contract, he logged huge minutes and scored big bucket for the club as players fell down with injuries around him. Starting the season as Quentin Grimes’ understudy, Donte quickly proved to be the better player and stole the starting spot.
While Donte’s smoking shooting will be missed, the Knicks have a glut of gunner guards, and Miles McBride has proven to be just as adept with the three-ball on the second unit. Plus, New York now has a center who can lace the net from deep! We applaud everything Donte gave us—and boy, I’ll feel melancholy every time I don my Nova Knicks sweatshirt—but the team has more than enough firepower to make up for his absence.
The Brunson-Towns Partnership
Jalen Brunson has emerged as the leader of this Knicks squad, and Towns has the potential to benefit immensely under his guidance. Brunson’s unselfish playmaking and ability to create opportunities for others should allow Towns to find his rhythm within the offense. The Knicks’ culture has evolved into one that values teamwork, hard work, and accountability—qualities that could help KAT maximize his potential in New York.
Doff a hat for Knicks president Leon Rose. Trading Julius and Donte wasn’t an easy decision, but it was a necessary one. The club has upgraded with a player who not only fits better with their current roster but also addresses the weaknesses that have held them back. Karl-Anthony Towns’ shooting, defense, and adaptability offer the Knicks a chance to reach the next level. It’s a bold move, but one that should pay off in a big way as the Knicks look to make a deeper run in the playoffs.
Welcome Kat! Go Knicks!