The Minnesota Timberwolves welcome back Karl-Anthony Towns, who played at Target Center for the first time on Thursday since he was traded before Media Day. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst went into detail about Town’s relationship with the city that drafted him.
The trade involving KAT came as a surprise to many, including the All-Star big man himself. However, his move to the New York Knicks has helped him revitalize his career and dominate the other conference. However, a part of him is still in Minnesota, as he and the city went hand-in-hand during the early years of his career.
“I expect him to get a warm reception from the fans tonight,” Towns said. “Even though he’s from the New York area, and it looked like it was a homecoming for him, he was super invested in being the support to Anthony Edwards.”
“I don’t want to move just past that. He was the franchise player, multiple time All-NBA, supermax contract. Ant came in and he was wiling to step aside and offer his support. He was building this team up. I do think it [the trade] was a shock to him, I do think he’s happy and thriving in New York, I think he’s gonna be an All-Star, I think he’s got a good chance to be All-NBA. But I also think some of him remains in Minnesota.”
.@WindhorstESPN on Karl Anthony-Towns' first game in Minnesota since being traded to the Knicks 👀
"He's happy and thriving in New York … but I also think that some of him remains in Minnesota." ❤️ pic.twitter.com/C5NAcyfBj0
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 19, 2024
With the Knicks, Towns has found a way to become a top center in the East. He’s averaging 24.8 points, 13.9 rebounds (league-leading) and 3.3 assists.
Karl-Anthony Towns received a tribute from the Wolves
In his first game back in Minnesota, Karl-Anthony Towns received a warm welcome as fans gave him a standing ovation. During the player introductions, KAT received warm applause and a tribute from the organization that drafted him in 2015.
KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS TONIGHT:
32 POINTS
20 REBOUNDS
6 ASSISTS
83% FG
100% 3PAGAINST HIS FORMER TEAM 🔥(via @realapp_) pic.twitter.com/FOtueo9H72
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 20, 2024
After the tribute played, the camera focused on Towns as he couldn’t help but smile at the gesture.
In his first game back in Minnesota, KAT had a statement game of 32 points, 20 rebounds and six assists. He helped the Knicks capture the 133-107 win over his former team.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
