Especially considering Adrian Wojnarowski’s retirement and the impending expiration of Shams Charania’s contract with The Athletic, which has left NBA breaking news media in limbo.
Nevertheless, we still have a sequel for Lillard. The Minnesota Timberwolves are sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in what appears to be a three-team trade with the Charlotte Hornets.
Charania He beat ESPN’s Bobby Marks by one minute. For the first time in the post-Woj era, the NBA world was shocked again, including Towns himself.
Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter.
…
— Karl Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) September 28, 2024
From the Cats to the Knicks 👀 Things are getting interesting. @NBA
— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) September 28, 2024
I remember saying a few weeks ago that this might happen 👀
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) September 28, 2024
SHAMS BOMB hits differently now that Woj is not breaking news 😭
— JBond 🍌 (@jbondwagon) September 28, 2024
Wojin: pic.twitter.com/pzkrOCoxVB
— NBA Paint (@nba_paint) September 28, 2024
I’m going to tip my hat to KAT for being the most loyal player in the NBA. We lived in the Twin Cities for about 10 years, mostly through dark times.
After making the playoffs for three consecutive years, KAT was eliminated in a seemingly blind trade.
This doesn’t suit me.
— Charlie Walton (@CharlieWaltonMN) September 28, 2024
Looking back, there were numerous reports over the years that Towns wanted to leave when the Timberwolves were bad, and Towns always professed his allegiance to building a winning team with the Timberwolves. It can be a tough business in that regard. https://t.co/JOdUFY3THn
— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) September 28, 2024
I have to believe Tim Connelly will tell me why this is necessary. But I’d be lying if I said this was okay.
I’m usually a positive boss here…but this time it broke my heart.
thank you @KarlTowns For all you have given to Minnesota.
— Sabrina (@sabrinaalurenee) September 28, 2024
please stop this @Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/JMZXK4BMxC
— WolvesLead (@TWolvesLead) September 28, 2024
This is one of the worst feelings I’ve ever felt as a fan of this team and that’s saying something
I can’t believe it
— Shahbaz Khan (@ShahbazMKhan) September 28, 2024
National KAT’s narrative flip would make me cringe, but I’m excited he finally gets a decent flower
— Official DJ of Rhaenyra Targaryen (@tornadojally) September 28, 2024
Rest In Peace Nova Knicks
July 2024 – September 2024 pic.twitter.com/CofWqiLu4l
— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) September 28, 2024
Nova Knicks takes DiVincenzo to the airport pic.twitter.com/KRFPjwaKIt
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) September 28, 2024
I will immediately block anyone who gives stupid replies about kat rn! I don’t feel good about it.
— 𝖈𝖍𝖑𝖔𝖊 (@offmychestpass) September 28, 2024
Will we hold a candle vigil/protest outside Target Center for this because it feels like someone died?
— Holly🌲 (@plantlover36) September 28, 2024
Just two days ago, at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new school in the Bronx, Julius Randle, the team’s longest-tenured player, was recognized for donating $1.3 million to support the effort. Leon Rose and Thibodeau were among those in attendance. Now he is on his way to Minnie. can’t believe it.
— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) September 28, 2024
Let’s go with this! Finchy had Julius in NOLA and always loved him. I’m a fan too, but the rest of the package is certainly great.
Randle = 🐕 and fans will notice his toughness. #Howl pic.twitter.com/89eYa30l6d
— Paul Allen (@PAOnTheMic) September 28, 2024
They needed to do better in the KAT trade. Much better. It’s very simple. Certainly something was inevitable. But the timing is insane. I think Randall and Dante are decent. Don’t let “salary caps” talk you down. Please don’t be a fool. This stinks.
— TwolvesBlog (@TwolvesBlog) September 28, 2024
It’s frustrating to see the KAT trade, but it makes sense.
One of the things that makes the most sense right now is that the Timberwolves need to lock down Naz Reid
Naz Reid has a player option after the 24-25 season and his current contract was already at a deep discount pic.twitter.com/SjW8f9TLMJ
— WolvesLead (@TWolvesLead) September 28, 2024
I couldn’t watch a single minute of the Nova Knicks game. pic.twitter.com/eCkq1FI3e6
— Unlucky Dreamer🪐 (@unluckydreamer8) September 28, 2024
Confirmed KAT trade
The Pistons’ pick is phased in protection each year, but it’s a great asset for Minnesota and should eventually turn into cash.
Di Vincenzo gets great contract for 3 more years
Minnesota is currently in a very favorable position as a high-end team through Ant’s heyday
— Jace Frederick (@JaceFrederick) September 28, 2024
The Timberwolves, playing in the WCF for the first time in 20 years, decided to trade their second-best player.
Someone who happily took a backseat whenever asked. He moved when they traded for Rudy. Returning early from injury to contribute to the playoffs risked his health. nice.
— Shahbaz Khan (@ShahbazMKhan) September 28, 2024
It’s pretty hard to see this trade as anything other than a move to flexibly build around Ant/Naz/Jaden going forward.
This is a tough pill to swallow for fans returning from a WCF outing, especially considering Towns’ loyalty. But Tim Connelly earns some money… https://t.co/cft5V6rmQz
— Jack Borman (@jrborman13) September 28, 2024