At the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Media Day earlier this week, star guard Anthony Edwards opened up about his feelings regarding the recent trade of his longtime teammate, center Karl-Anthony Towns, to the New York Knicks. Edwards didn’t hold back, expressing that the move hit him hard on a personal level.
“I think everybody knows KAT is my brother, so that definitely hurt,” Edwards told reporters. “It’s a business. I just gotta roll with it. I’m ready to get to know them [Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo] and try to get it figured out as fast as we can because we’re trying to get back to where we were and go even farther.”
The trade, which took place last Friday, sent shockwaves through the NBA. Towns, a four-time All-Star, was dealt to the Knicks as part of a three-team trade that included the Charlotte Hornets. In return, the Timberwolves received three-time All-Star forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo, and a protected first-round pick. For a Timberwolves team that had made strides in recent seasons, the trade marks a major shift in their lineup, and for Edwards, it means adjusting to a new core of teammates.
When asked if he had any input on the trade before it happened, Edwards explained that he hadn’t been consulted, largely because he was on a plane when the deal went down. The timing made the trade even more jarring for the young star, who had developed a strong bond with Towns during their four seasons together.
Edwards and Towns had become one of the most dynamic duos in the NBA, leading the Timberwolves to three playoff appearances, including a deep run to the Western Conference Finals this past summer. Their on-court chemistry had blossomed into a solid friendship off the court, making the trade feel more personal for Edwards.
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Even Towns himself appeared surprised by the move. Edwards shared that he had communicated with Towns shortly after the trade was finalized, texting him as soon as his flight landed.
“It was incredible,” Edwards said, reflecting on his relationship with Towns. “That’s what we talked about once I landed. We messaged back and forth, talking about everything—how it started, how far we’ve come.” Edwards shared a lighthearted moment, recalling how Towns sent him a picture of himself working out at 3 a.m., a testament to Towns’ tireless work ethic. “That was kind of funny,” Edwards added, showing that despite the trade, their bond remains intact.
While the two will no longer share the court as teammates, Edwards made it clear that he and Towns will continue their friendship. However, Edwards now faces the challenge of building chemistry with his new teammates, Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, as they aim to keep the Timberwolves competitive in the Western Conference.
Looking ahead, Edwards and the Timberwolves will begin the 2024-25 season with a challenging opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 22.
With new faces and a revamped roster, Edwards will be tasked with leading the team into a new era, even as he navigates the emotional impact of Towns’ departure.
