Breaking analysis: Knicks and Wolves swap stars in risky last-minute trade

In the first major bit of breaking NBA news in the post-Woj era, the New York Knicks have made a blockbuster addition, trading for four-time All-Star Karl Anthony-Towns, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

New York has already seen a transformative offseason, having acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, who completed the Villanova set. That is until this deal. In exchange for Towns, the Knicks traded a package including three-time All-Star Julius Randle, former Villanova Wildcat Donte DiVincenzo, and a 2025 protected first-round pick via the Detroit Pistons.

It's a shame to see the New York Wildcats—I mean Knicks break up so soon and yet, looking at the Knicks' situation heading into the season, it's understandable; especially considering the talent of Towns.

NBA Trades: Knicks and Wolves swap stars in risky last-minute trade

Knicks starting center Mitchell Robinson continues to recover from a long-lingering lower-body injury. At this moment, Robinson is expected to make his debut in either December or January. That is quite some time to go without a starting center, without even considering the necessary conditioning ramp-up he would require.

Instead, New York took advantage of their assets and positional flexibility, landing a legitimate All-Star in the process. Robinson can continue to recover in his own time, and Towns can carry a large share of the load alongside Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges. Even when Robinson returns, Towns has experience successfully playing power forward next to a defensive-minded big.

It's hard not to see an angle that doesn't shine favorably on the Knicks in this deal, although conversations can be had about Town's postseason performance historically. As for Minnesota, the deal is a bit more messy.

There is reason to like the move for both the Knicks and Wolves.

Yes, Julius Randle is objectively a high-level talent. Donte DiVincenzo is also a quality role player, one whom the Timberwolves have long pined after, according to The Athletic's Fred Katz, but does he make up the difference between Randle and Towns both from a talent and fit standpoint?

The first-round pick that was sent to Minnesota helps surely, but it's a protected pick via the Detroit Pistons that may not even convey as it is top-13 protected this season, top-11 protected next season, and top-9 protected in 2027. If the pick has not been conveyed then, it becomes a second-round pick. Detroit has done much to turn things around this offseason, but they were a league-worst 14-68 last season; that isn't simply cured by adding high-priced non-All-Stars.

Regardless, the move does consolidate some talent—and arguably more important some salary—for Minnesota. While an immediate secondary move is unlikely, the Wolves' flexibility is increased after this trade, or rather, of the recently traded restrictions expire.

One final detail of this deal, as Katz also pointed out, is that the Knicks and Timberwolves required a third team for this trade to go through as they are both above the first apron, meaning that neither team can take back additional salary in a trade.

ESPN's Tim Bontemps later provided the solution to the issue, stating that the Charlotte Hornets would be included in the deal as a third team. According to Katz, New York will send DaQuan Jefferies an additional salary—potentially via sign-and-trade, and draft compensation to the Hornets for taking on the salary necessary to facilitate the deal. The preseason hasn't even begun and already the excitement is palpable for this new NBA season.