The Minnesota Timberwolves dealt Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks more than a year ago, but the five-time All-Star is still processing the blockbuster trade.
"I'm still stunned. It's weird," Towns told reporters Wednesday following the Knicks' 137-114 win over the Timberwolves, according to The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski. "You feel more like a Knick now after what we went through last year to get to the heights we went to.
"But it's weird when you see that Timberwolves jersey, especially them fire black ones y'all got. Not being able to see Towns on the back, it's a weird feeling."
Minnesota drafted Towns with the No. 1 overall pick in 2015. He spent his first nine seasons with the Timberwolves and ranks second on the franchise's all-time list for points, rebounds, and blocks.
Towns helped Minnesota reach its first West finals in two decades, averaging 19.1 points and shooting 36.1% from deep during its run in 2023-24. But he was traded just weeks before the following campaign, when his four-year, $224-million contract was set to kick in.
Towns penned a heartfelt message to the Timberwolves and their fan base following the shocking move. He showed love once again for his former teammates after their latest matchup Wednesday evening.
"I love those guys," Towns said. "I love that locker room to death. I'm willing to do anything for them, even if it wasn't about basketball."
