The trade of Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo it’s not official yet. With the Timberwolves above the second apron of the luxury tax and the Knicks strongly limited at that same tax line, there are many restrictions in the new CBA for this trade, forcing the sides to pull Charlotte as a third team and a lot of minimum. players and others sucked into the deal to make it work. That has yet to become official with the league, but it will be soon.
However, it wasn’t official before Monday’s media days for the Knicks and Timberwolves, which meant the players involved weren’t there and no one had to discuss it. That led to a lot of questions about it that no one had to answer. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was classic in firing back questions.
That became the loophole that reporters used – guys in front of the microphone couldn’t talk about the trade but could talk about players coming out. In Minnesota, Anthony Edwards admitted that losing cities stung for him.
There was a lot of love for Randle and DiVincenzo from their former Knicks teammates.
Jalen Brunson reflects on Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo:
“Grateful that Julius welcomed me with open arms here. The memories we made together were really fun.”
“Donte was a groomsman in my wedding, that should tell you all you need to know. Love him to death.” pic.twitter.com/1J6glhY1kl
– Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) 30 September 2024
Josh Hart on Julius Randle & Donte DiVincenzo: “When they get here, I hope and know the Garden will show both of those guys love the sacrifices they’ve made in a Knicks jersey.” Hart also notes that Randle helped change NYK’s trajectory: pic.twitter.com/XSb1XPaWWB
– Ian Begley (@IanBegley) 30 September 2024
How DiVincenzo feels about the trade depends on who you ask (no one could ask him directly, he couldn’t participate in a media day). One report said that DiVincenzo didn’t like the idea of the reduced role he would get this season on a deeper Knicks roster, while another said he was less thrilled about the Villanova Knicks reunion than others. However, Stephan Bondy of the New York Post countered this.
A league source refuted reports that Donte DiVincenzo was unhappy with the idea of coming off the bench next season and wanted to leave the Knicks. A source says he was “pumped” about next season and playing with Mikal Bridges.
– Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) 30 September 2024
This trade doesn’t get done without DiVincenzo going to Minnesota, with Towns gone they need his shooting — he set the Knick record for 3s made last season — and what he brings in terms of depth. What a role player wants or doesn’t want is irrelevant in a business like this and is little more than rotating teams.
Expect the trade to become official in the next few days.
