Karl-Anthony Towns Sought Assurances From Timberwolves That He Wouldn’t Be Traded

Star center/forward Karl-Anthony Towns is headed from the Timberwolves to the Knicks in perhaps the most notable trade of the NBA offseason — and seemed to fear that he could be moved.

After all, Towns met with Timberwolves head of basketball operations Tim Connelly several times in private, and Towns wondered then if a trade may be on the way, per NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN.

“Last year, Towns was immensely proud that he earned a spot on the All-Star team while handing over the reins to (Anthony Edwards),” Windhorst wrote. “Towns had previously sought assurances from Connelly that he wouldn’t be traded because he wanted to settle into that role.

“Connelly, who has built powerhouse teams in Denver and now Minnesota, said all the right things in their meetings but ultimately could not give that promise, sources said. In fairness, he couldn’t when looking at this landscape.”

In exchange for Towns, the Timberwolves will receive power forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round draft pick (via the Pistons). Also, Knicks guard DaQuan Jeffries is reportedly headed to the Hornets as part of the deal. More players are expected to be added.

Per NBA insider Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Towns is “‘still processing’ this trade, according to a source close to him. But it’s worth noting Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has been publicly very complimentary of him since he left Minnesota — something that’s been noted by Towns.”

Reports surfaced in July that the Knicks had a strong interest in Towns, who played for Thibodeau when Thibodeau coached the Timberwolves. Also, Knicks president Leon Rose used to be Towns’ agent when Rose ran CAA.

Towns and star guard Edwards have massive extensions kicking in next season and center Rudy Gobert is slated to make max money as well. It was widely believed that Towns or Gobert needed to be traded for the Timberwolves to avoid paying a huge luxury tax bill under the new CBA.

Towns averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.7 blocks last season, shooting 50.4% from the field, 41.6% from on 3-pointers and 87.3% from the free-throw line.