Big news dropped Friday night with the Timberwolves sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a protected first-round pick in 2025. Below, I outline the implications of the blockbuster deal and how it affects my latest fantasy basketball picks rankings.
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Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C, New York Knicks
Towns is undoubtedly one of the best 3-point bigs ever. However, his declining rebounding rate has diminished his value in fantasy over the past two seasons. Playing alongside Rudy Gobert will do that, but now that Towns is with a depleted Knicks frontcourt, it’s time to get some of his production back on the glass. With Mitchell Robinson still recovering, Towns will play a lot more center this season.
KAT also knows Knicks head coach Tom Thibideau. In their three seasons together in Minnesota, Towns averaged 23.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 3s and 2.2 shares with 53/37/84 shooting splits and never finished below 6th in nine-category formats. Despite their issues, it’s obvious that Thibs brings out the best version of KAT.
The Knicks have one of the strongest starting lineups in the NBA and adding Towns is a significant boost offensively due to his efficiency and ability to stretch the floor. He’ll settle in as the second option, but with an increase in rebounds and stock, I’ve moved him up in my rankings from late third to mid-late second round in fantasy rings drafts.
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Julius Randle – PF/C, Minnesota Timberwolves
There have been questions all offseason about how Julius Randle would adjust his game to fit the new-look Knicks after basically being the King of New York a few years ago. His inefficiencies and ball-stopping were often cited as reasons he would no longer be a good fit with New York. Unfortunately, we won’t get a chance to find out because he’s been sent to Minnesota.
Randle is coming off an injury-plagued season where he played in 46 games. He had surgery on his right shoulder in the offseason, so this year it’s important to prove he can return to his All-NBA form. There is some financial incentive here too. If Randle plays well, he could decline his player option to test free agency in the summer. While that sounds great, I have my doubts. Last year’s Sixth Man of the Year, Naz Reid, is waiting in the wings and we don’t know what Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch plans to do with the lineup adjustments.
Randle will start, but I doubt he’ll get the heavy treatment Thibs got in Minnesota, which should hinder his fantasy value a bit. Randle is going in the sixth round of drafts and that is probably too high considering this change in scenery. I moved him down to the late seventh round in my latest category rankings.
Donte DiVincenzo – SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
I like this trade for DiVincenzo from an actual basketball perspective. Analyzing the Timberwolves roster, Mike Conley turns 37 this year, and rookie Robert Dillingham is unlikely to join the rotation from the start. DiVincenzo can immediately step in and add value to a Timberwolves team in need of a 3-point specialist on the perimeter. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions, including point guard.
DiVincenzo was a league winner in fantasy basketball last season, finishing 64th in nine-category leagues, but as much as I like his game and fit for this team, he won’t be more than a marginal asset coming off the bench – limiting. his imagination overturns. Injuries happen, so it’s possible to see him reemerge as a fantasy star if the minutes open up. DiVincenzo is drafted in the 10th round, and that’s where I have him in my latest rankings.
