The Minnesota Timberwolves just made a move. And it's a big one.
Karl-Anthony Towns, the team's former first pick overall in the NBA Draft is on his way home to New York City to become a Knick according to The Athletic. In return, Minnesota receives forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round pick that belonged to the Detroit Pistons.
The Wolves are dealing with Luxury Tax issues with several large contracts, including star Anthony Edwards, center Rudy Gobert, and a large deal they gave to Jaden McDaniels. That put the payroll above $190 million and what is termed as the "second apron" of the NBA's luxury tax threshold. That meant a hefty bill coming from the league for being way above the $140 million salary cap.
Towns was due to make $49,205,800, $53,142,264, $57,078,728 and $61,015,192 over the next four years as part of a max deal he signed.
Randle would come to the Wolves on a much more affordable deal. He's due about $30 million each of the next two seasons before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Over his career, Randle has averaged 19 points and 9 rebounds a game so the Wolves do get a quality player in return for Towns. Di'Vincenzo is coming off a career year in New York where he averaged 15 points a game and will definitely give the Wolves depth at guard.
The first round pick coming to Minnesota via the Detroit Pistons (in a trade with NY) comes with huge restrictions which may take several years to materialize. There are early round protections on the pick through 2027. Chances are Minnesota doesn't cash that chip in until after 2025.