The New York Knicks did another big thing in the offseason, the New York Knicks did another big thing in the offseason.
According to Shams Karania of The Athletic, New York will take Carl-Anthony Towns (center-forward, 213cm, 112kg) from the Minnesota Timberwolves on the 28th (Korea Standard Time).
Instead of bringing Towns in, New York has decided to send Julius Randle (forward-center, 203 cm, 110 kg), Dante DiVinchenzo (guard, 193 cm, 92 kg) and a future first-round pick.
Trade Overview
New York Knicks get Carl-Anthony Towns
Minnesota get Julius Randle, Dante DiVinchenzo, future first-round ticket
What about Knicks?
New York made another big move. New York brought in Mikal Bridges due to a flurry of nominations before the transfer window opened, and brought in Randall and Dibinchenzo Towns. He had to hand over a first-round ticket, but he also minimized his nomination expenditure and significantly filled his capacity under the basket. This time, he re-signed OG Anubi with Bridges, but there was a huge gap due to the transfer of Eizia Hartenstein.
New York attempted to develop a number of options, and was eventually considering having Randall as its center on an intermittent basis. However, this time, the company has significantly increased its power by agreeing to a trade that would bring in Minnesota and Towns. Worse yet, it appears that the trade was pursued due to the difficulty of negotiating an extension contract with Randall.
With Towns’ addition, New York has firmly filled the inside. Starting with Jaylon Brunson, Towns and Anunobi have firmly established the center of their forces. In addition to Bridges, they are fully equipped to attack. Furthermore, with the addition of Towns, which is equipped with height, they have been able to maintain their power for a long time as well as alleviate concerns about maintaining their power.
Towns can relieve New York’s worries about the under-the-goal problems at once. Not only that, but it is also easy to create space in case of an attack as it can throw outside shots. Anunobi, Randall, and Mitchell Robinson should step up in case of existing power, but with Towns’ addition, Robinson will not only take the bench, but will also have the power to maximize his existing power.
The bench’s power has weakened somewhat by sending DiVinchenzo, but the sharp increase in power is likely to be a plus for New York. Also, depending on the situation, Towns is not impossible to play as a forward. He already played for Minnesota last season and was a key power forward. It may not be practically possible, but he can take various lineups depending on the situation and conditions.
Towns played in 62 games for Minnesota last season. He played in only 29 games last season, but showed off his durability as before. He played 32.7 minutes per game, scoring 21.8 points (.504.416.873), 8.3 rebounds, and 3 assists. His rebound number decreased due to playing with Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Twins, but he has more than enough to play under the basket in New York.
As well as being able to stay under the basket throughout the season without injury, Robinson’s support has added to the overall weight under the basket. Accompanied by a long-term contracted Towns may, of course, be a better option for New York, which wants to continue to challenge for the championship, rather than having a rather shaky start with Randall, who is under contract for an extended period of time. 안전놀이터
Towns agreed to an extension with Minnesota back in the summer of 2022. The four-year, $224 million contract will start with the upcoming 2024-2025 season. Player options are included in the final year of the contract, which is in excess of $50 million per year. This will allow New York to continue its current stance for a long time, but will have to deal with increased spending in the future.
The total annual salary for the upcoming season alone is well over $190 million. Moreover, starting in the 2025-2026 season, team spending alone exceeds $200 million. If the luxury tax is calculated, New York’s spending will reach a quasi-astronomical level as much as the Boston Celtics. There is an opportunity to catch up after the 2025-2026 season, but it is important to achieve the desired results for two seasons.
Above all, New York has firmly established its power to compete against the defending champion by embracing Towns, the All-Star center. Boston also spends a lot of money on the five starting players, so New York has to match it. With health, Towns can have an edge over Porzingis, and Anunobi and Bridges, as well as Josh Hart, are comparable to Boston’s one-two punch.
What about Timberwolves?
The trade will free Minnesota from its long-term spending burden. It had to endure a breakup with franchise star Towns, but it drastically lowered its total salary by sending Towns with more than four years and $200 million remaining and receiving Randall with two years left. Randall could become a free agent after next season, giving Minnesota more financial liquidity.
As expected, Minnesota’s total salary was expected to exceed $255.56 million. However, the switch to Randall lowered the total salary. Even though he received Divinchenzo, he immediately lowered the total below $200 million. From a distance, the difference will not be significant next season, but with Towns’ annual salary exceeding $50 million starting in the 2025-2026 season, the savings have been significant.
Minnesota’s total annual salary has fallen to about $188.9 million since the transaction. It has still passed the second apron, but it is significant in that it has significantly lowered the luxury tax. In addition to annual salary and luxury tax, the total expenditure was reduced by $26.5 million. In addition, the achievement is the part that significantly lowers the burden of spending that can last for a long time.
Minnesota’s spending has grown dramatically since it brought in Kobe two seasons ago. Despite trial and error, it did well last season and achieved the desired result.