Big news broke Friday evening the Timberwolves sending 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 that affects my latest fantasy basketball rankings.
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Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C, New York Knicks
Towns is undoubtedly one of the best 3-point shooting big men of all time. However, his declining rebound rate has diminished his fantasy value over the past two seasons. Playing alongside Rudy Gobert will do that, but now that Towns has a depleted Knicks frontcourt, it’s time to get some of his production back on the glass. With Mitchell Robinson still on the mend, Towns will play center a lot more this season.
KAT also knows 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 threes and 2.2 steals with shooting splits of 53/37/ 84 and has never finished lower than 6th place in nine category formats. Despite their issues, it’s clear that Thibs delivers the best version of KAT.
The Knicks have one of the strongest starting lineups in the NBA and the addition of Towns is a huge boost offensively due to his efficiency and ability to stretch the field. He’ll settle in as a second option, but with an increase in rebounds and action, I’ve moved him up in my rankings from a late third to a mid or late second round in fantasy hoops drafts.
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Julius Randle – PF/C, Minnesota Timberwolves
There were questions throughout the offseason about how Julius Randle would adjust his game to fit the Knicks’ new look after essentially being the king of New York a few years ago. His inefficiencies and ball stopping 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 46 games. He underwent surgery on his right shoulder in the offseason, so proving he can return to All-NBA form is key this year. There is also a financial motivation at play here. If Randle plays well, he could decline his player option to test free agency this summer. Even though it 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 roster setup.
Randle will start, but I doubt he’ll get the Thibs’ heavy treatment in Minnesota, which should hamper his fantasy value. Randle is going in the sixth round of the draft and that’s probably too high given this change of scenery. I brought him back at the end of the seventh round in my last class ranking.
Donte DiVincenzo – SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
I like this trade for DiVincenzo from an actual basketball perspective. When evaluating the Timberwolves roster, Mike Conley will be 37 this year and rookie Robert Dillingham is unlikely to join the rotation early on. DiVincenzo can step in immediately and add value to a Timberwolves team in need of a 3-point specialist on the perimeter. His versatility allows him to play several positions, including point guard.
DiVincenzo won the fantasy basketball league last season, finishing 64th in leagues in nine categories, but while I like his game and if he’s a fit for this team, he won’t be more than an asset marginal coming off the bench – capping his fantasy in reverse. Injuries happen, so it’s possible to see him reemerge as a fantasy star if the minutes open up. DiVincenzo is drafted in the 10th round, and that’s where I have him in my latest rankings.
