The New York Knicks made a big move on Friday night, trading with the Minnesota Timberwolves to bring Karl-Anthony Towns to New York.
New York had been eyeing Towns for over a year and finally got their man. Over the past year, they also picked up OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. Now, their roster looks strong enough to compete with the Boston Celtics.
How Towns Will Help The Knicks:
Towns’ arrival is expected to boost Tom Thibodeau’s team in three main ways:
Better Floor Spacing
Jalen Brunson is the Knicks’ main offensive weapon. He excels at driving into defenses and creating plays. Last season, he averaged 19.5 drives per game and assisted 9.2% of the time. With Towns shooting 41.6% from three-point range last season, his presence will open up more space for Brunson and others like Anunoby, Bridges, and Josh Hart who thrive on exploiting gaps in defenses.
Improved Rebounding
Towns is a top-tier rebounder. Before Rudy Gobert joined the Timberwolves, Towns consistently averaged double-digit rebounds each season. He has a career average of 10.8 rebounds per game, including 2.8 offensive rebounds per game. This skill will benefit a Knicks team that likes to control the tempo of games.
By joining the Knicks, Towns can dominate the paint without sharing it with another seven-footer. This will allow him to command rebounds and help Thibodeau control game tempo better.
Fans are excited about this change!
Reliability
Towns replaces Julius Randle, who struggled with injuries last season and missed crucial playoff games due to shoulder surgery. The Knicks couldn’t risk relying on Randle’s health for their championship hopes.
By acquiring Towns, they hope his strong track record of staying healthy continues throughout the season. His size and toughness should fit well with Thibodeau’s demanding style of play.
If Towns stays healthy all season and adapts well to his new role, this trade could prove to be a great decision for New York!
