Fantasy impact of Knicks-Timberwolves trade: Karl-Anthony Towns an early winner ahead of training camp

Big news broke Friday night when the Timberwolves sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a protected 2025 first-round pick. Below I outline the implications of the blockbuster deal and how it affects my latest fantasy basketball rankings affects.

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Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C, New York Knicks

Towns is undoubtedly one of the best three-point shooting big men ever. However, his declining rebound percentage has diminished his fantasy value in recent seasons. Playing alongside Rudy Gobert will do that, but with Towns facing a depleted Knicks frontcourt, it’s time to recoup some of his production on the glass. With Mitchell Robinson still recovering, Towns will play much more at center this season.

KAT is also familiar with Knicks head coach Tom Thibideau. In their three seasons together in Minnesota, Towns averaged 23.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 3s and 2.2 shares with 53/37/84 shooting splits and never finished below 6th in nine categories. Despite their problems, it’s clear that Thibs is bringing out the best version of KAT.

The Knicks have one of the strongest starting lineups in the NBA and adding Towns is a big boost offensively because of his efficiency and ability to stretch the floor. He’ll settle for the second option, but with an increase in rebounds and shares, I’ve moved him up in my rankings from a late third to a mid-to-late second round in fantasy hoops drafts.

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Julius Randle – PF/C, Minnesota Timberwolves

This offseason, there were questions about how Julius Randle would adapt his game for the new Knicks after essentially being king of New York a few years ago. His inefficiencies and ball stoppage were often cited as reasons why he would no longer be a good fit for New York. Unfortunately, we won’t get a chance to find out because it was shipped to Minnesota.

Randle is coming off an injury-plagued season in which he played in 46 games. He had surgery on his right shoulder this offseason, so this year is crucial to proving he can return to his All-NBA form. There is also a financial motivation at stake here. If Randle plays well, he could decline his player option to test free agency in the summer. While that sounds great, I have my doubts. Last year’s Sixth Man of the Year, Naz Reid, is waiting in the wings and we don’t know what Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch plans to do with the lineup configurations.

Randle will start, but I doubt he’ll get the heavy minutes treatment from Thibs in Minnesota, which should hinder his fantasy value somewhat. Randle advances to the sixth round, which is probably too high given this change of scenery. I moved him to the late seventh round in my latest category rankings.

Donte DiVincenzo – SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves

I like this trade for DiVincenzo from a realistic basketball perspective. When evaluating the Timberwolves roster, Mike Conley turns 37 this year, and rookie Robert Dillingham is unlikely to join the rotation from the start. DiVincenzo can step in immediately and add value to a Timberwolves team in need of a 3-point specialist at the rim. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions, including point guard.

DiVincenzo was a fantasy basketball winner last season, finishing 64th in nine categories, but as much as I like his play and as much of a fit as I am for this team, he won’t be anything more than a marginal asset coming off the bench. his imagination turned upside down. Injuries happen, so it’s possible to see him emerge as a fantasy star again as the minutes open up. DiVincenzo is drafted in the 10th round, which is where I have him in my final rankings.