“At this point, we’ve got to look ourselves in the mirror and decide what type of team we want to be on a consistent basis”. By making this statement a little after mid-November, Anthony Edwards had addressed the Timberwolves’ need to improve amidst a losing streak. The words may have been taken to heart over the last couple of days, as ANT’s team went on to win 6 of their last 7 games. However, that was before the recent matchup against the New York Knicks.

When the minutes ran out at the Target Center, the T-Wolves had lost by a 26-point margin! The loss may have stung. However, Anthony Edwards used the occasion to not grieve, but celebrate for the sake of his former teammate: Karl-Anthony Towns.

In the aftermath of the Timberwolves-Knicks game, Anthony Edwards engaged in a Q&A session with several media members. When asked if he was happy for Karl-Anthony Towns, the 23-year-old outright replied, “I told him ‘Move down 30’. Like, I can’t show my happiness for you, but hell yeah, I was f***ing super happy for him. And I mean, that’s everything you dream of. You get traded, come back, and f***ing beat your team by 30. You know what I mean? It’s everything you dream of. I can’t be mad right now. I’m happy for him, sure. I’m mad that we lost, but in the inside, I’m super happy for him. That’s my dog”.

For 9 years, Towns had devoted the entirety of his NBA tenure to one team. After the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Anthony Edwards in 2020, the duo looked to elevate the team to another level. It worked, and they helped the Wolves reach the Conference Finals for the first time since 2004. After achieving the feat earlier this year, expectations were that they might repeat the feat, or even go beyond.

That all changed in late September when Shams Charania revealed that KAT was to be traded to the Knicks. Reactions came in from all sides.

NBA reporter Jon Krawczynski immediately wrote, “KAT did not request this trade. He never has requested a move in 9 years here.”

Anthony Edwards addressed the trade during the Timberwolves’ media day, stating “I think everyone know KAT is my brother so that really hurt.”

From Towns’ side, all that fans had for weeks was an ellipsis (“…”) that he posted on X before Charania’s news update. Almost three months later, he faced his former team for the first time in a regular-season matchup.

From the New York Post to Sports Illustrated, news outlets dubbed the recent matchup as the ‘Revenge Game’. After all, Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a memorable performance by recording 32 points and 20 rebounds! He remained on top of the shooting game by going 10-12 (83.3%) with his field goals, 5-5 (100%) with his three-pointers, and 7-9 (77.8%) with his free throws.

On the defensive front, Towns and the other Knicks stars kept Anthony Edwards & Co. on edge. By the time it was all over, the Knicks had won by 133-107! Just as the Timberwolves thought that things were going well for them, out came their former teammate to highlight the reality.

Magic Johnson had once stated that if he was to lose to someone and be glad about it, he would lose to Michael Jordan. For Anthony Edwards, that similar feeling may exist. For Karl-Anthony Towns, this was his moment to shine. However, it still didn’t stop him from returning Edwards’ love by himself.

Despite being with different teams, Karl-Anthony Towns may want to continue guiding Anthony Edwards through “Whirlwind of being a pro”

It is true that, in just 4 years, Anthony Edwards has created a unique individual identity for himself. However, it is important to note that he had the guidance of someone who was already in the league for 5 additional years before him. As Karl-Anthony Towns was traded to the Knicks, one might say that the 23-year-old lost not only a reliable teammate but also a mentor. However, Towns wanted to make it clear that he could still serve in the latter capacity.

In the aftermath of the Timberwolves-Knicks game, Karl-Anthony Towns paid tribute to Anthony Edwards by stating, “That’s my brother, man. That’s my brother. If he ever needs anything, he got a brother in me. He ever called me, was in any trouble (or) anything, I’ll be the first one to respond. So, he knows he got a big bro in me”.

Continuing to discuss their bond, Towns also added, “I’ve only ever wanted to amplify him and give him nothing but the best experience, being in (the) NBA. And guide him through this ‘Whirlwind of being a pro.’ And I’m just honored that I was able to be part of this journey, able to help him grow from a boy to a man”.

Respect between former teammates seldom evaporates. For Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, the upcoming season presents a different challenge. One has to play without their veteran teammate, another one has to make his mark with his new team.

How they continue to fare in dealing with both challenges is something that fans will continue seeing.