NEW YORK — It’s been a year since Karl-Anthony Towns was traded from Minnesota to New York, but the feeling still lingers for the Knicks’ big man.
“I’m still stunned, I mean I’m still stunned. It’s weird,” Towns said after the Knicks’ 137-114 win over his former team on Wednesday night.
“I feel like Nick now after everything we went through last year, but it’s strange to see a Wolves shirt – especially a fiery black shirt – and not see the word ‘Towns’ on the back.
Towns was referring to the Timberwolves’ jersey they returned to this season, an ode to the Kevin Garnett era of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Towns spent nine seasons in Minneapolis before the blockbuster trade that sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Timberwolves in exchange for Towns on the eve of training camp last year.
It was a shocker because the Timberwolves had advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since the Garnett era (2004), and Towns appeared to be the cornerstone of a resurgent franchise alongside Anthony Edwards after years of struggle.
The Knicks viewed Towns as an ideal counterpoint to Jalen Brunson, and the Timberwolves wanted to offload Towns’ salary to avoid the punitive luxury tax arena.
Even with logic, feelings remain.
Later in his postgame interview session Wednesday night, Towns paused as he admitted he was going to refer to the Timberwolves as “we,” symbolizing the connection he still feels with the franchise.
“I built something special there,” Towns said. “It’s different when you’re in process and now you’re going against process. They’re a great team. To see what they’re doing now, it’s special, and I expect nothing less than greatness from them.”
The Knicks and Timberwolves both advanced to their conference finals last season, with sights set on higher ground this time around. Towns remains in frequent contact with his former teammates, “every day, if not every other day,” and said many of the play-calls that used to be his now belong to former Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid.
“It’s always great to see your brothers,” Towns said. “You, he became the face of the league. Me and Rudy (Gobert), years and years of battles against each other, turned into teammates, and we have a close bond. It was really good to compete against my brothers.”
“It’s deeper than basketball. It’s family.”
This was Towns’ second time facing the Timberwolves, and he was productive in both games. On Wednesday, Towns scored 15 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks in 31 minutes as the Knicks dominated the final three quarters.
Despite the loss, Randle performed better in his second visit to Madison Square Garden, with 32 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Towns had two memorable outings against his former teammates, falling behind the younger Edwards and diving over him. On another play, Gobert was caught.
As usual, Edwards took the matter seriously.
“Man, I was overwhelmed today,” he said. “I didn’t jump, though. But yes, he supported me. But he’s very strong. And he’s 7 feet tall. However, I stood with him for five seconds. At that point, someone has to come and help me. At 6-3, 6-4, and 7 feet tall, I need some help at some point.”
