After spending nine seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Karl-Anthony Towns has been traded to the New York Knicks, and he’s saying goodbye to Timberwolves fans with a heartfelt message. On Thursday, Towns shared an emotional letter and video on social media, expressing his sadness about leaving the team and city he called home for nearly a decade.
In his message, Towns reflected, “Nine years ago, I arrived in Minnesota as a young man with a dream.” He added, “Little did I know that this place would become my home, and its people would become my family.” He emphasized how precious his experiences in Minnesota were and sincerely thanked the fans. The Timberwolves selected Towns first overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, and he established himself as one of the league’s top big men, winning Rookie of the Year and earning four All-Star selections.
Towns showcased his impressive outside shooting skills by winning the 2022 All-Star Three-Point Contest. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “Your love, support, and unwavering loyalty have fueled my journey and inspired me to be the best player I could be.” He also acknowledged the coaching staff, teammates, and everyone within the organization for providing him with countless opportunities and experiences that contributed to his growth.
Although Towns is originally from New Jersey, the trade to the Knicks brings him closer to his roots, with the Knicks being practically his hometown team. Still, his goodbye to Minnesota felt more like leaving his true home. Known for his love of New York sports, Towns sometimes stirred up controversy in Minnesota by sporting a Yankees cap at Timberwolves games.
In exchange for Towns, the Timberwolves acquired Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo from the Knicks, two key players who are expected to strengthen Minnesota’s roster. Towns and his new Knicks teammates will face off against his former Timberwolves squad in a preseason game on October 14, marking his first meeting with Minnesota in the 2024-2025 NBA season.
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