Like everyone else in the NBA world, Karl-Anthony Towns was surprised to be the main player in a major trade between the Timberwolves and Knicks.
There had been rumors for years about the Knicks potentially trading for KAT, but it was a deal that many thought would never actually come to fruition.
But here we are.
“Shocked,” he told reporters when asked about his initial reaction to the news. “Shocked. Maybe the word flabbergasted is more appropriate. Just shocked.”
Towns joked about approaching his new teammates for the first time, especially after Jalen Brunson mentioned at media day that he didn’t know anyone named Karl before the trade was official.
“The first thing I did was walk up to Jalen and introduce myself to say, ‘Hi, my name is Karl.’ Because I know that was a struggle for him,” Towns said.
KAT may find it a bit easier to adjust to the system at the Knicks, as he previously worked under Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau in Minnesota for two and a half years.
“I think it gives us a little bit of a head start,” Towns told reporters. “I know the offense he likes to run. I know the way he likes to play defense and what he expects from his players.”
Thibs was complimentary of KAT and seems excited to be working with him once again.
“He’s gained a lot more experience. He’s been deep in the playoffs and knows what that’s like,” Thibodeau said. “His understanding is much further along now than in his second year in the league. And his unique skill set fits well with everybody.”
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