It’s a new era in New York. While Julius Randle became a beloved figure in the Big Apple, the trade for Karl-Anthony Towns has been dubbed a win-win situation for both the Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Randle, though, during his first interview as a Wolves player, seemed a little unsure about how things might unfold. However, many analysts and players, including Paul George and NBA legend Charles Barkley, feel this is an exciting trade for both franchises.

A subject of a high-profile trade himself, PG was naturally the best person to talk about the KAT trade. And he had some jokes. The star forward dubbed it a “terrible trade,” calling Towns “awful” and “old”. But on a serious note, George was of the opinion that it was indeed a “good touch, a win-for-win, giving up Julius [Randle] for KAT.” 

Chuck, on the other hand, was pretty much over the top about the trade. In a recent appearance on former NBA player Jim Jackson’s show, Barkley said, “Man, the East is gonna be crazy now with big KAT going to New York. I love that trade for the Knicks. … I don’t think Minnesota got worse, because Julius Randle is a very good player. You got Anthony, you got Naz. So, man, the West is gonna be amazing to watch this year.”

As PG-13 pointed out, Towns is indeed one of the best three-point-shooting bigs in the league. More importantly, the Knicks’ question mark of a center was effectively solved with the 4x All-Star taking care of it. As for the Wolves, Randle can fill the scoring void left by Towns to an extent. A solid rebounder, the Wolves can see quite a lot of second-chance points and transition opportunities.

Not to mention, his veteran presence and playoff experience can certainly help the franchise as they look to go further in the postseason. But it will be a difficult transition for both, as they became engrained in the culture of both the cities. Julius Randle can go anywhere, but his tenure with the Knicks will remain the highlight of his career. That’s the kind of effect it has had on his life.

Julius Randle hopes the change of scenery will be helpful

Perhaps what we heard the most when the blockbuster trade was announced was how Randle walked into MSG when no one would. In one way or another, the 3x All-Star paved the way for the Knicks to put together the contending team they have now. And in the process, he became a beloved figure in the Big Apple.

As such, it’s only natural that the 10-year veteran would be concerned about his fan base. The official YouTube channel of the Minnesota Timberwolves shared a video of their latest member discussing his move, settling in, relationship with teammates, and more. But to our point, it seems that Randle isn’t too sure how his fan base views the move.

When a reporter stated that the “general discourse around the trade seems to be positive,” Julius replied, “You got to ask the fan base.” Laughing, he then added, “Which fan base, right?” While it might have been said in a lighthearted manner, Randle’s uncertainty was on full display there.

On a serious note, though, the 29-year-old stated an important point. “These trades, when they do happen, they don’t always work out that way.” It is a risk that comes with trades. Just think of the Rajan Rondo to Dallas Mavericks trade in 2014. The Mavs acquired the Celtics champion, hoping he was the finals piece they needed for a deep playoff run. Unfortunately, nothing of the sort happened. He often clashed with the then-head coach, Rick Carlisle, and did not find that chemistry with his teammates. While their defense saw an improvement, Dallas’ offense, which ranked top in the league, took a hit.

Of course, something of that magnitude happening in Minnesota is highly unlikely. Although Julius Randle expressed hesitancy from a fan viewpoint, the 3x All-Star said that he was committed to winning. “I just want to help get us over that hump and win. Like you said, at this stage in my career, only thing that matters is winning. I’ve accomplished a lot of great things on the individual scale, but I want to win at this stage of my career, so I’m extremely excited, extremely blessed to have this opportunity.”

Anyway, it’s going to be an insane season this time around. So much at stake and so many talented teams desperate for a title. And only one Larry O’Brien trophy.