In light of Mitchell Robinson’s anticipated absence until December or January due to an ankle injury, coupled with Isaiah Hartenstein’s recent move to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the New York Knicks found themselves in a precarious position concerning their frontcourt depth as they approached training camp. However, a seismic shift occurred late Friday night when reports surfaced that the Knicks are poised to secure Karl Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In this exchange, the Knicks are parting ways with Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a future first-round pick sourced from Detroit. Additionally, the Charlotte Hornets are expected to receive DaQuan Jeffries alongside future draft considerations from the Knicks. Mirroring the significant fantasy impact seen in last year’s Damian Lillard trade, this transaction is poised to reshape the fantasy basketball landscape.
Knicks Welcome: Karl Anthony Towns
Towns has undeniably established himself as a formidable offensive force since debuting in the NBA in 2015, consistently averaging over 20.8 points across the last eight seasons. Last year, in 62 appearances, he registered 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.7 blocks, and 2.2 three-pointers per game over 32.7 minutes, boasting shooting percentages of 50.4% from the field and 87.3% from the charity stripe. His per-game output positioned him just outside the top 40 in 9-category leagues and marginally within that range for 8-category leagues. However, due to availability issues, KAT concluded the season beyond the top 50 in total value.
The transition to New York is expected to unleash Towns’ fantasy potential, particularly after his two-season stint alongside Rudy Gobert. Prior to that pairing, Towns consistently delivered first-round per-game value in 9-category formats for seven consecutive years. A return to that caliber of production seems plausible, albeit with the ever-present concern of maintaining his health. In the last five seasons, Towns has only surpassed the 50-game mark twice: 2021-22 (74 games) and 2023-24 (62 games). His health is crucial not only for fantasy implications but also for ensuring the Knicks maintain their pursuit of prominence in the Eastern Conference.
Regarding other fantasy implications, Robinson’s already diminished value takes a significant hit. Despite Towns’ injury history, the prospect of stashing Mitch Robinson is fraught with uncertainty given his ongoing health complications. The departure of Randle opens up power forward minutes; however, coach Tom Thibodeau may opt to retain Josh Hart in the starting rotation. In this scenario, Hart would share the floor with Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, enhancing his value thanks to his multifaceted contributions.
Miles McBride, recognized for his perimeter shooting, stands to gain from this trade, solidifying his role within the Knicks’ rotation despite primarily coming off the bench. Meanwhile, Precious Achiuwa, who started all of last season at power forward, may see an uptick in minutes to round out the lineup, although he remains a speculative late-round pick at best.
Timberwolves Acquire: Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a Future First-Round Pick via Detroit
Following Minnesota’s remarkable journey to the conference finals for the first time in two decades last season, the financial implications of maintaining a competitive roster are becoming increasingly daunting. With Gobert deemed untouchable, Towns—along with his substantial contract—emerges as the focal point in trade discussions. The Timberwolves will welcome two seasoned players who can seamlessly integrate into their rotation.
Concerns linger regarding Randle’s compatibility with Anthony Edwards, particularly in terms of offensive spacing. To maximize this partnership, Randle must return to his 2022-23 form in terms of three-point attempts, averaging 8.3 per game. Although he converted only 34.3% of those attempts that season, maintaining open driving lanes for Edwards is essential. While Randle’s overall usage should remain stable, his opportunities in isolation could diminish. Notably, the 2023-24 season marked the first time since his rookie year that Randle failed to appear in at least 64 games.
DiVincenzo, despite starting from the bench, will find value in Minnesota as the second unit requires shooting prowess. He averaged 3.5 three-pointers per game last season, connecting on 40.1% of his attempts. Known affectionately as the “Big Ragu,” DiVincenzo emerged as a top 75 fantasy asset, his role far exceeding pre-season expectations. While he may not command a top-100 pick in standard leagues, he certainly warrants attention.
Towns’ exit likely paves the way for increased playing time for Naz Reid at the center position, where he logged just 20% of his minutes last season. In contrast, Reid previously spent 84% or more of his minutes at the five in each of the four preceding seasons. His offensive capabilities are unquestionable, but his ability to enhance his defensive presence will ultimately dictate his value as a fantasy asset.