Former Knicks All-Star outplaying Karl-Anthony Towns with new team | Sporting News

Did the New York Knicks lose the Karl-Anthony Towns trade?

We don’t know yet. It’s far too early to get behind such a statement.

While Towns struggles to get acclimated in New York, however, former Knickerbocker Julius Randle — shipped off to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the KAT deal — is thriving with his new team.

Randle’s most recent performance in a Wolves uniform came on Tuesday night: 20 points on 3-for-3 from downtown, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in 35 minutes for Minnesota.

Randle is now averaging 23.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists through four games.

Minnesota is 2-2, but both losses have come to Western Conference contenders (Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks). The new-look Timberwolves are already clicking, and Randle looks like a great fit in Minny. By the way, so does Donte DiVincenzo, who was the other prize of the Towns trade for the Timberwolves.

Meanwhile in New York, Jalen Brunson and the Knicks aren’t getting Towns enough shots, and things are off to a less-than-stellar start with the new core.

New York will figure it out. Tom Thibodeau is an elite coach.

But Randle’s start with Minnesota is a stark reminder to Knicks fans how much value they gave up to acquire Towns.

We’re talking about a three-time All-Star in Randle who made the All-NBA Second Team in 2021. A former No. 7 overall pick who has validated that selection with an excellent career. (And he still only 29).

Towns — a four-time All-Star himself — better start dominating soon, or else this trade is going to look like a wash at best for the Knicks.

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