IT IS DONE: New York Knicks power forward Karl-Anthony Towns is the odd man out for New York Knicks now with Wolves also sent a message to new York Knicks head coach Mike Brown concerning…see more
The writing is on the wall. After a season of mixed results and fit-related concerns, New York Knicks power forward Karl-Anthony Towns has emerged as the odd man out in Mike Brown’s system. Now, in a dramatic and unexpected twist, the Minnesota Timberwolves — the team that drafted Towns first overall in 2015 — have reached out directly to the Knicks’ front office and head coach Mike Brown, expressing interest in a reunion with their former franchise star.
Multiple league sources have confirmed that the Timberwolves’ front office, led by president Tim Connelly, has sent what one insider called “a formal expression of interest” to New York, inquiring about the availability of Towns and opening the door to talks that could send him back to Minnesota — just two years after they traded him.
A Dream That Never Took Off in New York
Karl-Anthony Towns was once viewed as the missing piece to a rising Knicks squad. Acquired in a blockbuster deal in 2024, Towns brought name recognition and offensive firepower to a franchise desperate for a return to contention. But while he averaged a respectable 20.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game during the 2024–25 season, his presence never quite meshed with head coach Mike Brown’s defensive philosophy.
“He just didn’t fit the defensive culture Mike Brown has built,” said former NBA player and analyst JJ Redick. “It’s not a knock on Towns’ talent. But this team thrives on toughness, switching, and physicality — and that’s not his game.”
Indeed, advanced metrics paint a clearer picture: when Towns was on the court, the Knicks’ defensive efficiency dropped by nearly five points per 100 possessions. Meanwhile, players like Mitchell Robinson and Jericho Sims flourished in Brown’s schemes, making Towns’ high salary and limited defensive versatility more of a liability than a luxury.
Wolves Send a Sign
The Minnesota Timberwolves, fresh off a disappointing first-round playoff exit in 2025, are reportedly re-evaluating their core. While Rudy Gobert remains a defensive force and Anthony Edwards has emerged as a legitimate MVP candidate, sources close to the organization say the Wolves are searching for a way to reintroduce a dynamic frontcourt scoring option — and Towns, once their foundational piece, may now be the right player at the right time.
“Don’t forget, the Wolves never had real closure with KAT,” said ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “They moved on due to fit issues and cap management. But a motivated Towns returning to Minnesota — alongside Ant and Gobert — is a reunion that could reignite their offensive ceiling.”
The message sent by the Wolves to the Knicks reportedly included both a respectful inquiry and an intriguing proposal: a preliminary trade concept centered around versatile forward Jaden McDaniels, a future first-round pick, and financial matching assets.
The move would bring Towns full circle — from beloved No. 1 pick to the trade block, and now potentially back to the Twin Cities as a complementary piece rather than the face of the franchise.
The Message to Mike Brown
Knicks head coach Mike Brown, known for his meticulous defensive schemes and commitment to system-first basketball, has received praise for reviving the Knicks’ identity. But he now faces a dilemma. Do the Knicks hold onto Towns for offensive insurance, or flip him now while his value remains respectable?
The Wolves’ message to Brown reportedly emphasized “mutual benefit” — a phrase that has caught the attention of NBA insiders.
“It’s not just about basketball,” said insider Chris Haynes. “There’s emotion in this. The Wolves believe Towns deserves another shot in their jersey. They think he’ll be more focused, more humble, and better equipped to play a supporting role rather than lead.”
Brown has not commented publicly, but insiders say he is open to the idea of moving on from Towns — provided the return makes the Knicks better defensively and preserves their future flexibility.
Knicks’ Options: Reset, Reload, or Run It Back?
New York now finds itself at a crossroads. With rising young pieces like Quentin Grimes, Deuce McBride, and All-Star RJ Barrett continuing to blossom, the Knicks may prefer to shift away from high-usage bigs and embrace a more positionless, defensively focused lineup.
A trade with Minnesota could offer:If completed, the Knicks would gain roster flexibility, an elite perimeter defender in McDaniels, and avoid future luxury tax burdens associated with Towns’ max deal.
“This would be a Mike Brown move,” said Knicks reporter Ian Begley. “Unload the talent that doesn’t fit, get tougher, younger, and more versatile. It’s a clear statement of culture over clout.”
KAT’s Perspective
So where does Towns stand in all of this?
While he hasn’t spoken to media directly since the Knicks’ second-round playoff loss to Milwaukee, sources close to the 29-year-old say he’s aware of the trade chatter — and wouldn’t be opposed to returning to Minnesota.
“He still loves that city,” said one source familiar with Towns’ camp. “He didn’t leave on bad terms. If anything, he’d love to come back and prove he can help them win. He wants to be remembered as more than just the guy who didn’t get it done.”
Fan Reaction & League Impact
The rumor mill has gone into overdrive. Knicks fans are split: some believe moving Towns is essential to stay on track under Brown’s leadership, while others argue it’s premature to cut bait on an All-Star who could still be a difference-maker in the playoffs.
“I like KAT, but we need dogs, not divas,” tweeted one fan. “Give me McDaniels and a pick, and let’s get back to Knicks basketball.”
NBA teams are watching closely. If Towns lands back in Minnesota, it could open up new storylines across both conferences. Could the Timberwolves become legit contenders with a revamped big-three? Will the Knicks finally make the Finals leap with a leaner, more balanced roster?
Final Thoughts
This summer may well mark a pivotal moment in the careers of both Karl-Anthony Towns and Mike Brown. For Towns, a chance to rewrite his legacy where it all began. For Brown, a chance to further solidify a Knicks identity that values defense, chemistry, and culture above all else.
What happens next is anyone’s guess — but the messages have been sent, the offers are being discussed, and one thing is certain:
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