The New York Knicks seemed confident to start the season without a true veteran center on their roster. In the other conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves had their WCF roster back in the building to prep for the next season. These two teams did something the NBA couldn’t see happening. In a surprise blockbuster trade, Karl-Anthony Towns, a nine-year Wolves member was sent to the Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.

In terms of needs, the trade made absolute sense. Towns fit the physical bruising prototype that Tom Thibadeau wants in his center. The Timberwolves get an All-Star-level forward in Randle and a gritty defender in Donte. But the culmination of the preceding events simply doesn’t add up, especially for Towns.

Over the past few days, the Wolves’ social media has been buzzing over the return of 32. “The best shooting big man in the league” one such post read showing him back in training camp. His teammates too seemed thrilled for the center to join their ranks again. Anthony Edwards could be seen giving him a hug, and it was all smiles around.

In the history of the franchise, Towns’ nine seasons rank the third highest in terms of tenure. It only trails franchise legends Kevin Garnett and Sam Mitchell. Furthermore, in his exit interview last season, the modern-age center spoke passionately about his confidence in the franchise to retain him for a 10th year. ” I love this city. It’s given me my life, me and my family” Karl-Anthony Towns professed.

The franchise toying with his loyalty wasn’t well received by the fans.

NBA fans tear the Wolves for trading Karl-Anthony Towns

The move came as a stunning shock. Towns signed his current 4 year $220 million extension in 2022, two years before he had to. Towns didn’t want to assess his future but rather devoted himself to building the Wolves. He took Anthony Edwards under his wing and went through every phase of the franchise, good or bad. Likewise, fans weren’t happy to see his unwavering loyalty not being honored by the T-Wolves.

“Man f y’all bruh why y’all trade him” a fan wrote unleashing his fury. According to Jon Krawczynski, Towns’ camp was “stunned” when hearing about the news. But even after his trade, the 28-year-old couldn’t seem to get the franchise out of his heart. He posted an Instagram story of himself working out at their practice facility at 3 in the morning.

It was also surprising due to the fact that he and Edwards had become the pioneers behind their conference final journey last season. Apart from willingly submitting his place to the spirited Ant, Towns also showed the versatility to move to play forward when Rudy Gobert arrived. “Stupid move” one fan wrote.

Just to clarify, this wasn’t a move Karl-Anthony Towns requested. In fact, in his nine-year tenure, not once did he think about leaving the franchise. In his tenure, he became the most prolific three-point scorer in franchise history. Towns also ranks second in points for the Wolves, only trailing Garnett who played five more seasons.

The trade does help the Wolves in recalibrating their finances in the future. It also gives Naz Reid, a riveting Sixth Man the chance to assume a larger role. However, even though logically it was great, the Wolves’ ethics came under fire. “Y’all did kat dirty. How in the hell y’all embrace Kat return to training camp 2 days ago and trade him” a fan noted.

Looking at the bright side, Towns gets to leave his adopted home and play for his actual hometown. Originally from New Jersey, the Knicks have accumulated a rejuvenated roster which is now equipped with a tough and robust center. Karl-Anthony Towns manages to stay healthy throughout the season and can surely aid the Big Apple in becoming a basketball powerhouse again.

The sadness will continue to sting for a while though. Karl-Anthony Towns embodied the Minnesota spirit and never flinched during their hardships. It’s upsetting to potentially witness the Wolves’ ascension without the man who arguably made it all possible in the first place.