Karl-Anthony Towns has formally bid goodbye to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He penned an emotional farewell message to the team, after the blockbuster trade that would send him to the New York Knicks became official.
To the Timberwolves Family:
Nine years ago, I arrived in Minnesota as a young man with a dream. Little did I know that this place would become my home, and its people would become my family. Your love, support, and unwavering loyalty have fueled my journey and inspired me to be… pic.twitter.com/PP1pGzvGcx
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) October 2, 2024
With Towns going to the Big Apple, Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are heading to Minnesota while the Charlotte Hornets get three second round picks alongside with DaQuan Jeffries, Charlie Brown, and Duane Washington Jr to complete the transaction.
NBA insider Shams Carania broke the full details of the trade.
The Hornets are receiving three second-round picks (two via Knicks, one via Minnesota), along with DaQuan Jeffries, Charlie Brown and Duane Washington Jr., to complete the Karl-Anthony Towns-Julius Randle-Donte DiVincenzo trade, sources tell me, @JonKrawczynski and @FredKatz.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 2, 2024
Shortly after, KAT took time across his social media platforms to show gratitude and appreciation to the Timberwolves’ fan base with an accompanying video highlighting his personal accomplishments with the team.
"Nine years ago, I arrived in Minnesota as a young man with a dream. Little did I know that this place would become my home, and its people would become my family," the 28-year-old wrote.
"Your love, support, and unwavering loyalty have fueled my journey and inspired me to be the best player I could be. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, and the entire Timberwolves organization for the countless opportunities and experiences. I'll cherish the friendships I've made and the battles we've fought together."
The former no. 1 overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft added that the city of Minnesota will always “hold a special place in my heart.”
"To the incredible fans, your support has meant the world to me. It gave me strength on and off the court. I'll never forget it. Thank you for everything."
In response, the Timberwolves shared several graphics across social media celebrating their former superstar.
you’ll always be a part of the Wolves family. 🐺 pic.twitter.com/fdrlDH77iN
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 2, 2024
Thank you for everything, 32. 💙 pic.twitter.com/nQrFSR4RNa
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 2, 2024
Towns won the 2016 Rookie of the Year and was a key piece in snapping the franchise's 13-year playoff drought in 2018 and the Timberwolves' run to the Western Conference Finals last year.
He played a total of 573 games with the team and averaged 22.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks.
Welcome, Karl-Anthony Towns! pic.twitter.com/WzORYUmQ8k
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 2, 2024
Leon Rose, president of the New York Knicks described Towns as having a "unique" skillset.
"He possesses a blend of playmaking, shooting, rebounding, and defending that in combination with his size, allows him to compete at a level that is rare in this league," he wrote.
Towns would "complement the type of team and culture" they're building in New York, Rose added.
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 2, 2024
