Karl-Anthony Towns is traded to New York.

On the same day as the Damian Lillard trade last year, another blockbuster trade took place. Sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks from the Minnesota Timberwolves. This will have implications for both sides as it pushes the Knicks into title contention potentially and the Timberwolves have let go of their star forward, which the last two times has led to the traded player winning a championship in Kevin Garnett and Love.

However, although the Knicks will feel as if they have pushed themselves into being one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference it may not be all good for them. In the trade they have given up Julius Randle and Divincenzo. These are players who performed for New York in the past season, in Randle they have a perennial all-star in previous seasons who has made All-NBA teams and a consistent shooter in Divincenzo. However, these needs are replaced by someone who has dubbed himself “the greatest big man shooter” and who is a multiple All-Star and All-NBA player who is a lot younger than Randle, with greater potential.

For the Timberwolves, they have most someone who has been there through the hard times and through multiple teams. He was a rookie with team legend Kevin Garnett and played with Kevin Love as well as Wiggins, Lavine and Jimmy Butler. But, they have a new star in town with Antony Edwards and they seem to be placing their trust in his abilities. However, their run in the playoffs was helped majorly by what Towns brings to the game. He was able to defend Durant in their series against the Suns and was able to step up when Antony Edwards couldn't. They aren't without hope though as Divincenzo is an outstanding shooter and if Randle can be in form it will allow Ant to become the main option with good scoring options alongside him and defenders. They could still be able to put together a run but they will be without a man who helped craft the identity of their team.