Knicks make franchise-altering trade, take Karl-Anthony Towns from Timberwolves.

In a major off season NBA blockbuster deal, the New York Knicks acquired All-Star forward Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves, multiple media outlets have reported.

The Timberwolves reportedly will receive All-Star forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round pick. According to ESPN, the draft pick will be a 2025 first-rounder, top-13 protected, that previously belonged to the Detroit Pistons.

The trade will require the involvement of a third team to balance the exchange of salaries, per ESPN, with the Charlotte Hornets set to fill that role.

Towns, 28, is heading into the first year of a four-year, US$220 million contract extension. Randle, 29, is expected to make US$28.9 million in the 2024-25 season, and he has a US$30.9 million player option for the following season. DiVincenzo, 27, has three years remaining on his contract for a total of almost US$36 million.

The swap continues an off season that saw the Knicks acquire Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. New York are looking to improve on a season in which they went 50-32 and reached the Eastern Conference semi-finals.