Ex-Timberwolves exec has wanted Towns for a while, per Marc Stein.
In his latest Stein Line, Marc Stein reports that former Timberwolves executive Gersson Rosas, now a senior VP in the Knicks’ front office, played a significant role in orchestrating New York’s trade for Karl-Anthony Towns.
Just days ago, the Knicks completed the blockbuster trade, sending Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round pick to the Timberwolves, while the Charlotte Hornets received DaQuan Jeffries and draft compensation to facilitate the deal. By pairing Towns with Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have formed a formidable offensive duo, with Towns’ scoring (22.9 PPG, 10 RPG) and shooting prowess (40% 3-point career average) providing both floor spacing and rim protection. This trade reshapes the Knicks’ lineup, creating a strong starting five with Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Towns, positioning them as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Rosas, who joined the Knicks in 2022 after his departure from Minnesota, was a key advocate for the trade. According to Stein:
In February 2022, you’ll recall, we broke the story here of the Knicks’ hiring of Rosas as a consultant in the wake of his incredibly messy exit as Minnesota’s lead decision-maker. […] Rosas was elevated to senior vice president of basketball operations before last season and, according to league sources, is Towns’ foremost fan in the Knicks’ organization. Yes: Even ahead of Towns’ former agent Leon Rose. Rosas is said to have been pushing for a Towns trade even before this summer’s free agent departure of Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson’s subsequent slow recovery from an ankle injury.
The timing of the deal was ideal. As Stein observes, the Timberwolves, despite last season’s success, were more open to moving Towns to gain financial flexibility and retain key players like Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Regarding Towns’ impact on New York, Stein notes three main concerns: his ability to handle the NYC spotlight, whether he and coach Tom Thibodeau have fully reconciled, and his injury history, having missed at least 20 games in four of the past five seasons.
The Knicks are seen to be taking a big risk, while the Timberwolves feel they have become “deeper, tougher, and cheaper,” sources tell Stein. We won’t wait long to see the teams square off: they will play on October 13 in a preseason game. Although Randle, who’s still recovering from shoulder surgery, is likely to sit, KAT and DiVo should be extra motivated to show off for their former teams.
Go Knicks!