Shockwaves went around the NBA with the recent seismic announcement. The New York Knicks, who have hunted for a center for season finally locked their eyes on Karl-Anthony Towns. NBA insider Bobby Marks, after expressing sadness at Zach Lowe’s recent purge spoke about his reaction to the trade. This by far wasn’t a deal that has been in the mix for several weeks. It was more about the Big Apple capitalizing on an opportunity within days.

“This deal came about, I would say, within the last 48 hours” Marks noted. According to The Athletic, Knicks’ Leon Rose has long desired to bring Towns back to his hometown. And when the Knicks offered both Julius Randle and DiVincenzo, two splashing components, the Minnesota Timberwolves simply couldn’t refuse.

Within that span, Marks claims the probability of the move (from 5) went from 2 to 4.5 “30 minutes before it broke on the internet” on NBA on ESPN. The talks intensified as both parties felt a fair exchange build with time. Additionally, the onset of the Charlotte Hornets was pivotal as they helped the ‘apron’ teams make the move possible and navigate through their cap restrictions.

It brings an end to Karl-Anthony Towns’ unwavering loyalty toward the Wolves. Despite being from New Jersey, he considered Minnesota to be his “home” and wanted to transform it into a championship-caliber team. Sadly, that dream will probably remain unfulfilled. However, on a positive note, he returns home and is also playing under a system that can be extremely suitable for him.

The Knicks are entering a new era with Karl-Anthony Towns

With a new age of basketball brewing in New York, Towns could be the final piece that helps them push past the hump. For the first time in years, the Big Apple has a center that can be a focal offensive threat. As a seven-footer, Towns is among the most distinguished scorers for his size. He can shoot threes at a high clip and on the inside is an enforcer.

With Thibadeau in particular, his schemes generally relate to high physicality and tenacity. Karl-Anthony Towns fits that description. In his nine seasons with the Wolves, he has been the primary scoring option, shifted to being a stretch forward, and when vigilant about his force, is an incredible defensive anchor.

A pay to watch for will be his pick and roll besides Jalen Brunson. Due to Gobert, Towns’ frequency in such motions was reduced drastically. However, their effectiveness didn’t waver. In those possessions, the Wolves averaged 1.44 points per possession with him as the roll man. Subsequently, Brunson, the frontal force for the Knicks utilizes screens heavily. Last season, he ranked fourth for P&R possessions, averaging 1.04 points in them.

The trade though did shred away the Knicks’ bench depth. DiVincenzo and Josh Hart were willing to take on that role and play with tremendous effort. With the sweet shooter and Randle, a starter gone, Thibs will have to depend heavily on his starting unit to produce a major chunk of their action.

In analyzing them, they have players who can genuinely be offensive pivots. Rotations will be key. At all times, one or some of the starters will have to stay on the floor to impact the rivals’ defense. It’s an invigorating group, but it can also come to bite them back since their bench unit has severely weakened.

Do you think the Knicks won this Karl-Anthony Towns trade or was it unnecessary? Let us know your views in the comments below.