Karl-Anthony Towns returned home on Friday, Sept. 28, after the Timberwolves’ first day of training camp, feeling optimistic about reuniting with his teammates and their chances of building on their previous season’s success, where they reached the Conference Finals. However, just hours later, news broke that shook the basketball world—ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Towns had been traded to the Knicks.
When did Towns find out about this surprising trade?
In a candid interview with his new Knicks teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, Towns detailed the chaotic moments leading up to the trade announcement. “Four minutes,” Towns said on “The Roommates Show” when asked how long before Charania’s tweet he was notified of the trade. “By the time the shock hit, Shams had already tweeted.”
Towns shared that Timberwolves president Tim Connelly personally visited him at his home in Minnesota to deliver the news. “He told me to my face that I was traded,” Towns said, acknowledging Connelly’s approach. “That was a gangster move, not gonna lie. It’s a tough situation no matter what, but the way it happened, I respect it. He came alone to tell me in front of three of my closest friends and my dad. He could’ve been walking into chaos, but we handled it. So, I’ve got to give him respect.”
Towns admitted he thought he would “retire” as a Timberwolf, but the trade served as a reminder that the NBA is a business, with no room for personal emotions. After spending the first nine years of his career in Minnesota, Towns is set to wear New York colors in the 2024-25 season.
On Dec. 19, the Knicks will travel to Minnesota for a road game that is expected to be an emotional night for Towns and Timberwolves fans, who are likely to honor him with a tribute video.
