The New York Knicks’ acquisition of center-forward Karl-Anthony Towns in a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves marks a turning point for the franchise.
In exchange, the Knicks parted ways with three-time NBA All-Star Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop and a protected first-round draft pick via Detroit. This move comes less than three months after New York landed Brooklyn Nets star Mikal Bridges.
James Dolan’s surprising hands-off approach has finally given President Leon Rose the freedom to execute his vision. Since joining the franchise in 2020, Rose has orchestrated pivotal moves, such as the signing of Jalen Brunson, leading to three playoff berths in four seasons, ending an eight-year drought. After cycling through numerous executives, Dolan seems to have finally hit the jackpot with Rose at the helm.
Rose’s acquisition of talent like OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa last season allowed New York to secure the second seed in the Eastern Conference, overtaking the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite holding this position, the Knicks paled in comparison to the storied Boston Celtics. In a display of complete domination, Boston outscored their opponents by an average of 11.34 points per game, just shy of the mark set by the 2017 Warriors. Even with a healthy lineup, New York would have struggled to make a nick in Boston’s offensive engine.
Conversely, Towns returned three weeks early last season from a meniscus injury to guard Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokić in back-to-back playoff series victories. And with a career three-point shooting percentage around 40%, he also brings a powerful offensive threat to the table. Along with this, Towns’ elite shooting forces defenders to react to his pump fakes, which gives him easy scoring opportunities.
“He possesses a blend of playmaking, shooting, rebounding and defending that, in combination with his size, allows him to compete at a level that is rare in this league,” Rose said in a statement regarding Towns.
Towns is expected to step in as the starting center while Mitchell Robinson is sidelined until December or January as he recovers from an offseason ankle surgery. His role will primarily involve utilizing the team’s dynamic spacing to draw opposing rim protectors away from the basket.
Towns has the ability to facilitate and receive passes in the corner, increasing the Knicks’ scoring options. With the exception of Josh Hart, every player in the starting lineup shot over 37% from three-point range last season.
Additionally, Mikal Bridges and Anunoby will form a formidable defensive duo, using their length to smother opposing offenses. The potential starting lineup of Brunson, Hart, Bridges, Anunoby and Towns could evolve into an offensive and defensive juggernaut.
Hart could step into Miles McBride’s spot on the second unit to bolster forward depth. A better spacing will give Brunson more isolation opportunities and let rookie Tyler Kolek set up shots for teammates. The only flaw with this lineup is its lack of depth.
If Towns suffers an injury — an unfortunate but plausible scenario given Tom Thibodeau’s heavy reliance on his starters — Jericho Sims may not be enough to contain Joel Embiid should the two teams meet again in the playoffs.
Rose recognizes the team’s key players are in their primes, and New York’s reserve of first-round draft picks has been depleted. The clock has officially begun ticking for the Knicks as they fight to chase the coattails of Boston in the upcoming season, with pressure mounting to capitalize on their current talent and secure a championship before their window closes.
