Back in October, a blockbuster trade between the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves made headlines and sent shockwaves throughout the league and on the internet after Karl-Anthony Towns was sent to the Big Apple in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Many fans were confused, and a few were infuriated with a trade that could change both teams’ futures. Three months later, we’re already seeing a bit of an answer to a conundrum that once riddled everyone’s mind—Who won the Towns-Randle trade? To make it a concrete analysis, we’re going to break it down.
Win-Loss Record: Knicks
The Knicks obviously have the upper hand than the Timberwolves when it comes to winning. They’re currently the third seed in the East with a 24-10 win-loss record while the Wolves are sitting on the 8th spot but are on the verge of being eliminated with the Spurs, Warriors, Suns, and Kings looming in the dark.
In addition, New York is having a fantastic run after winning 9 of their last 10 games. Meanwhile, Minnesota has been inconsistent, winning 5 of those games and losing the other five via blowouts.
Playoff Route: Both
If the playoffs begin today, the third-seeded New York Knicks will be facing a disgruntled Miami Heat, a matchup they surely will come out on top of. Their possible foe in the second round will be the No.2 Boston Celtics, and that’s going to be a battle of the ages. However, Towns isn’t one to be relied upon come the playoffs. He was benched in the biggest games and his decision-making isn’t always the best, especially in crunch time.
On the other hand, the eighth-seeded Timberwolves will have a bit of a tough time trying to secure a spot as they will have to complete the Play-In Tournament. If they really do get the 8th spot, their first opponent will be the No.1 Oklahoma City Thunder. Not looking good for a new-look Minnesota team with Julius Randle as the starting power forward. Randle isn’t any better than Towns in the playoffs either.
That being said, it’s going to be an even stance, although the Knicks with KAT have a better chance of reaching the Conference Finals.
Better Player: Karl-Anthony Towns
Three months in and we already know who has become the better player this season. Towns is having his best season with New York as he is getting 25 points per game and is averaging career-highs in rebounds (13.7 RPG), field goal percentage (54.8%), and three-point field goal percentage (44%).
Well, we can’t say the same to Randle. In contrast to Towns who’s having a terrific year, Julius Randle has been quiet this season, averaging his lowest points output in the last six years (19.9 PPG) despite playing for more than 33 minutes a night. His rebound numbers have also dropped, mainly because Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels control the boards.
Better Fit: Karl-Anthony Towns
After acquiring KAT, the Knicks’ offense quickly bumped to better numbers. From being 7th in offensive rating last season, they have now become the No.2 in offensive rating (just right behind the Cleveland Cavaliers by a small margin).
It’s already safe to say that Towns already fits the Knicks’ system in just three months with the New York Knicks. A stretch big man who is also excellent as a pick-and-roll guy opens a lot of opportunities for Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby. They also found a center to replace Isiah Hartenstein. Although Towns isn’t as exceptional of a rim protector, the 29-year-old All-Star is still a pretty decent defender.
Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, Randle’s rugged and bruiser type of play will cramp up the paint, especially with Gobert and McDaniels lurking in the restricted area. It also minimizes Anthony Edwards’ path, making it even more difficult for their budding superstar. Moreover, Randle is known as a ball-stopper with his isolation and post-up plays. Nevertheless, KAT is definitely the better fit for his team.
Long Term Goal: Knicks
Although the Minnesota Timberwolves save a ton of money after shaving Towns’ huge payout, they’re on the verge of being just a mini-stop for Randle’s expiring contract. After this season, if the Wolves don’t pay Randle a hefty amount, he’s as good as gone. Will he get another big contract or will Minnesota use him as a trade asset before the deadline?
Meanwhile, New York is finally getting something good out of their trades. They’ve gone far from being one of the trash teams in the league five years ago.
Overall, the Knicks won this trade though it’s also a trade that gives the Wolves a slight advantage in terms of money to bring in more reinforcements for Edwards. The Knicks, however, get the better player and the better fit plus they also boost their team’s offense with the guy they definitely needed. However, they still have to make it through the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have a significantly more talented roster than what they have now. It’s going to be a Wild Wild Eastern Conference and everyone’s here for it.
