Knicks fans unload on Wolves as Karl-Anthony Towns drops 30-20 game in return - "Dudes said we lost the trade"

New York Knicks star center Karl-Anthony Towns dominated his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, during Thursday's 133-107 road matchup. Afterward, Knicks fans ridiculed the Timberwolves for unnecessarily trading the four-time All-Star.

Despite coming off a Western Conference finals appearance, Minnesota shipped Towns to New York in a three-team deal in early October. The trade netted the Timberwolves star forward Julius Randle and shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo. However, Towns has since taken his production to another level with the Knicks.

Before Thursday's clash, the 10-year veteran received a heartfelt standing ovation from Minnesota's fan base. He proceeded to light up his ex-squad, tallying game highs of 32 points, 20 rebounds and five 3-pointers, shooting 10-for-12 (83.3%). Meanwhile, New York led by as many as 36 points en route to a comfortable 26-point victory.

Following the game, fans on X/Twitter blasted the Timberwolves for their apparent error in judgment by trading Towns, questioning the organization's thought process.

"Wolves with the dumbest trade ever. Looks like they were holding KAT back," @CPalmore6 wrote.

"Dudes said we lost the trade," @CookedBy11__ said.

"Still confused why the Wolves traded him," @Lebronin1 wrote.

"I'll never understand why the Minnesota Timberwolves decided to trade KAT to New York. KAT wasn't the problem," @SashaMania36 said.

"Timberwolves got fooled by DiVincenzo's career year," @knickswintrack said.

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Timberwolves coach Chris Finch on Karl-Anthony Towns' standout season with Knicks

A few days ahead of Thursday's contest, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch touched on Karl-Anthony Towns' impressive early season play with the Knicks. Finch lauded Towns' versatility at the five spot, likening him to an offensive "cheat code."

"We used to call it 'the cheat code,'" Finch said. "It's just a cheat code to great shots, great offense. His ability to score at all levels and distort the floor and all that kind of stuff. It's definitely, definitely, definitely a driver of great offense."

Towns proved his former coach correct on Thursday, as he bolstered his well-rounded season averages. Through 25 outings, Towns is averaging 25.0 points, a league-leading 14.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.0 blocks and 2.4 3-pointers per game, shooting 53.5% and 46.1% from downtown.

New York (17-10) sits third in the Eastern Conference. On the flip side, Minnesota (14-12) has taken a step back in the standings without Towns, ranking eighth in the West.

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