If it wasn’t clear before, it is now. The New York Knicks are officially all in on winning an NBA championship this upcoming season.
On Friday night, the Knicks worked out a deal for Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns. It came at a steep price for Leon Rose and the front office in New York. In order to pull this deal off, the Knicks had to part ways with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. The T-Wolves also acquired a 2025 top-13-protected first-round pick from the Knicks.
The highlight of the deal is Randle, who was a three-time All-Star in New York. An argument can be made that he changed the culture for the Knicks. He was also simply a very productive player, averaging 24.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game last season.
DiVincenzo wasn’t a star by any means, but Knicks fans fell in love with him during their playoff run this year. His toughness and 3-point shooting will be missed by New Yorkers everywhere.
With that said, Knicks fans are genuinely crushed that Randle has been traded to Minnesota.
“Julius Randle came to New York when no one wanted to When he saw how bad it was, he didn’t ask out He talked to Leon & Wes They ended up joining him The next season he led us back to the playoffs He put New York on his back And we will never forget,” a Knicks fan wrote on X.
“This dude gave EVERYTHING for this city. Julius Randle deserves nothing but praise and thankfulness from this fanbase,” another Knicks fan said.
“That first Julius Randle ISO waving off Anthony Edwards gonna hit like crack in the 80’s,” a fan tweeted.
“Julius Randle was under appreciated and over hated. I hope he can remind a lot of folks about who he is in this league. From the We Here season to today, he was the first leader of the Knicks renaissance. Nothing but love for Ju. Standing Ovay when he comes back to the Garden,” a social media user wrote.
Randle could become a free agent after the 2024-25 season since he has a $30.9 million player option. He could take his chances and hit the open market.
As for Towns, he’ll be tasked with being the best possible co-star for Jalen Brunson. If he comes up short, Knicks fans will let him know about it.
Related: Photos: Meet The Wife Of New York Knicks Star Julius Randle