Early impressions from the Karl-Anthony Towns-Julius Randle trade

The New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves both took a risk this offseason. They finished the 2023-24 season as the number two and three seeds in their respective conferences but still decided to shake things up in the offseason. 

Right before the season began, the Knicks and Timberwolves swapped All-NBA forwards Julius Randle and Karl-Anthony Towns in a trade that shocked the NBA world. The Knicks also added fan-favorite Donte DiVincenzo to the deal after he had a career year in New York. 

The early impressions of this blockbuster trade suggest it was a win-win transaction. Although both teams are 2-2 on the season, Towns and Randle look like solid fits on their new squads. 

Randle has been playing great in Minnesota, averaging 23.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and five assists on a super-efficient 60.7% shooting from the field and a ludicrous 62.5% from three. Playing as the secondary scoring option behind Anthony Edwards seems to suit him well, and although his efficiency will likely decline, it appears that Randle has found a new home in Minnesota. 

Towns has been equally as excellent in New York. Towns played a key scoring and rebounding role in both the Knicks wins, starting to win over the famously critical Knicks faithful. In the Knicks' most recent game, Towns exploded for 44 points and 13 rebounds in their win over the Miami Heat. Towns is averaging 22.5 points and 11.3 rebounds a game so far this season. Like Randle, Towns also has been incredibly efficient, shooting 58.5% from the field and a crazy 72.7% on threes. 

The one player who doesn't seem to be adjusting to his new home as smoothly is DiVincenzo. Last season DiVincenzo shot a career-high 40.1% from three, but through four games with the Wolves, he is only shooting 26.7%. The former Villanova guard has found himself playing more back-up point guard in Minnesota than the catch-and-shoot gunner position he was playing in New York. 

DiVincenzo will likely find his perfect place in the Minnesota offense as the season continues, and it will be impossible for Randle and Towns to keep up their early season efficiency. Although the sample size is small, both the Knicks and Wolves have to be happy with the early returns from their offseason gamble.