Randle vs Towns
The New York Knicks sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, along with a future first-round draft pick, to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns. The teams split their head-to-head matchup (1-1) this season, with the Knicks losing 116-99 at home and returning the favor in Minnesota by beating the Timberwolves 133-107 on their floor.
The trade benefited both teams. The New York Knicks are set to face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. At the same time, the Minnesota Timberwolves await the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder versus Denver Nuggets series.
Backlash from the trade
When the trade was first announced, it sparked mixed feelings. Minnesota Timberwolves fans weren’t as enthusiastic as New York Knicks fans. Minnesota had just reached the Western Conference Finals; trading the team’s second-best player (behind Anthony Edwards) seemed illogical unless the organization was trying to save money.
Donte DiVincenzo expressed dissatisfaction with the trade, especially since he took a pay cut to play alongside Jalen Brunson, Jason Hart, and (eventually) Mikal Bridges, all his college teammates. Donte’s frustration became evident when he took verbal jabs at Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau during their first matchup.
Fast forward
The NBA thrives on compelling storylines, and an exciting Finals matchup would be the New York Knicks facing off against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns would be competing against the team that drafted him, where he spent nine seasons. Meanwhile, Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo would have the opportunity to defeat the team that unexpectedly traded them. I can’t think of two other teams in the playoffs that the NBA would love to see go head-to-head in the Finals.
About The Author
