With Karl-Anthony Towns only posting an ellipsis on X (“…”), other analysts expanded on his reaction to the trade. Taking place just days before the Timberwolves’ media day, it was certainly one of the most surprising moments of the 2024 off-season, fuelled by the franchise’s desire to save some cap space for themselves. Since Shams Charania broke the news, NBA enthusiasts have taken to discussing what the partnership between Towns and the New York Knicks means for the future. If one were to ask Charles Barkley, however, he is expressing nothing but positivity in light of the update.

In a recent interview on former NBA player Jim Jackson’s show, the Philadelphia 76ers legend brought up Towns’ trade without even being asked about it. Highlighting what he discussed in a previous segment of Paul George’s podcast, Barkley outrightly stated “Man, the East is gonna be crazy now with big Kat going to New York. I love that trade for the Knicks, I actually like that trade for both teams to be honest with you.” Barkley added: “Imma tell you something. I actually like this trade for Minnesota man, I mean I love it for the Knicks but I don’t think Minnesota got worse, because Julius Randle is a very good player. You got Anthony, you got Nas. So, man, the West is gonna be amazing to watch this year.”

When discussing the reasons why Karl-Anthony Towns was traded to the Knicks, one answer that would come up involves money. Prior to the trade, the Timberwolves held a $241.8 million salary cap, putting them way over the luxury tax and apron limits. At the same time, with three centers on the roster, the franchise decided that parting with one of them was the best option. However, the franchise placed Karl-Anthony Towns on the chopping block as he would likely earn over $53.1 million during the upcoming season.

This decision reflected their intention to restructure the team.For the price of one, however, the Timberwolves ended up getting two star players in the form of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Meanwhile, Towns went to a franchise with more cap space. This ensured that he will have less trouble receiving a better offer on an expansion deal than he would have with the Timberwolves.

Charles Barkley would understand the value that money holds in such situations. After all, the former player himself has been dealing with some issues due to a network’s reported negligence to spend big for its media rights. Since he retired in 2000, Barkley worked the ‘Inside the NBA’ show hosted by TNT. Once his former on-court rival Shaquille O’Neal came in as well, the duo partnered up with Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson Jr to create one of the most viewed and loved show that analysed games, players, and had the hosts occasionally play pranks.

Unfortunately, TNT’s earlier reluctance to agree to terms presented by the NBA caused the league to switch directions and sell off it’s media rights to Amazon, Disney, and ESPN. Fortunately, Turner has now pursued the legal route, leaving a flicker of hope for Barkley and his co-hosts future. While the fate of his show remains uncertain, however, the former player is trying to find excitement through the sport to whom he devoted the majority of his life to.

With him highlighting what Karl-Anthony Towns could mean for the Knicks, Charles Barkley seems to have forgotten about the time when he and his co-hosts took a shot at the player’s athleticism. After all, the remarks not only leave Towns, but his star teammate upset as well.

Karl-Anthony Towns reveals Anthony Edwards “was not happy” after Charles Barkley and co. ‘attacked’ the Minnesota Timberwolves center

Karl-Anthony Towns drew some backlash after his franchise lost Game 3 during the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. The major reason behind it was the fact that the player could only shoot 5-18 field goals and 0-8 three-pointers during the matchup. In his defense, KAT stated that he was taking 1,500 shots a day during practice sessions. When the ‘Inside the NBA’ crew heard it, they were quick to deny the player’s claim. Charles Barkley himself outright stated “First of all, he’s lying.” Months later, Towns took to discussing the effect of the former player’s remarks.

During a recent segment of the ‘Club Shay Shay’ podcast, Towns commented on how Charles Barkley’s remarks affected him. Given that no one knows him better than himself, Towns felt that he didn’t have to explain things to anyone. However, he didn’t appreciate the effect that the incident had on Anthony Edwards, revealing “I know one thing when that was said, I know ANT was not happy about that. Because he was like, ‘I know, I’ve seen you there. When I show up, you’ve been there sweating. And when I leave, you’re still going for another one.’”

The same trade that got Barkley excited has now separated Karl-Anthony Towns from his supportive teammate. However, Madison Square Garden itself hosts some exceptional players, who will very well stand beside their new member should Charles Barkley ever question him again.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.