Fantasy impact of Knicks-Timberwolves trade: Karl-Anthony Towns an early winner ahead of training camp

Big news went down Friday night with the Timberwolves sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a 2025 protected first-round pick. Below, I outline the implications of the blockbuster deal and how it impacts 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 ever. However, his declining rebound rate has decreased his value in fantasy over the past couple of seasons. Playing alongside Rudy Gobert will do that, but now that Towns is with a depleted Knicks frontcourt, it’s time to recoup some of his production on the glass. With Mitchell Robinson still on the mend, Towns will play far more center this season.

KAT is familiar with Knicks head coach Tom Thibideau, too. In their three seasons together in Minnesota, Towns averaged 23.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 3s and 2.2 stocks with 53/37/84 shooting splits and never finished below 6th in nine-category formats. Despite their issues, it’s evident that Thibs brings out the best version of KAT.

The Knicks have one of the strongest starting lineups in the NBA and adding Towns is a sizable boost offensively because of his efficiency and ability to stretch the floor. He’ll settle in as the second option, but with a rise in rebounds and stocks, I’ve moved him up in my rankings from a late third to a mid-to-late second-rounder in fantasy hoops drafts.

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Julius Randle – PF/C, Minnesota Timberwolves

There were questions all offseason about how Julius Randle would adjust his game to mesh with the new-look Knicks after essentially being the King of New York a couple of years ago. His inefficiencies and ball-stopping were often cited as reasons he would no longer be a good fit with New York. Unfortunately, we won’t get a chance to find out, as he’s been shipped to Minnesota.

Randle is coming off an injury-plagued season where he played in 46 games. He had surgery on his right…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-09-29 15:01:02

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