Why Did the Minnesota Timberwolves Trade Karl-Anthony Towns?

The Minnesota Timberwolves made a blockbuster trade on Friday night, sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. In return, they received Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a 2025 first round pick (top 13 protected). Everyone was shocked. The media had no idea, fans were frozen in disbelief and insiders had not been tipped off. Even Karl-Anthony Towns, himself, was not made aware that something was afoot. He reacted on social media, just like the rest of us. Reports later confirmed he had absolutely no idea, until Shams put it on the internet. In the hours since the trade took place, NBA pundits have been trying to make sense of what happened. Remember, last we heard regarding KAT trade rumors, the Minnesota Timberwolves planned to run it back for at least one more season, before re-evaluating their future. Luxury tax has been part of the conversation, and we will get to that momentarily. But Taylor has assured Wolves fans and media members multiple times that money was not going to make a difference