NBA fans blown away by Karl-Anthony Towns' classy gesture, surprising reporter’s daughter just hours after Knicks trade

Star center Karl-Anthony Towns was unexpectedly traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the New York Knicks on Friday night. However, amid the ensuing commotion, he reportedly made time to complete a thoughtful gesture for Timberwolves beat reporter Jon Krawczynski's heartbroken daughter. The story left NBA fans raving about Towns' character.

During a Tuesday appearance on the "Dan Barreiro" show, Krawczynski recounted breaking the news for The Athletic that Towns was traded to the Knicks. According to the veteran reporter, Towns checked in on him and his family shortly after, knowing his children were longtime fans of his.

"Friday night, he gets traded, and we break the news. 12:30 in the morning, I get a text from him checking in, 'Hey, how's it going?'" Krawczynski said. "He knows that my daughter and my son are just huge KAT fans. They've met him a few times over the years. I've brought them to practice, brought them to a few of his camps and things."

According to Krawczynski, he told Towns that his daughter "cried herself to sleep" after discovering he was traded. So, the ex-Timberwolves star offered to show up at her soccer tournament in Blaine, Minnesota the following day to comfort her.

"'I'll be there,'" Krawczynski recalled Towns saying.

Per Krawczynski, he was doubtful that Towns would find time to follow through on his commitment. However, to his apparent surprise, the four-time All-Star arrived midway through his daughter's soccer matchup on Saturday.

"Start the game, halftime, he texts, 'Hey, I'm pulling up,' and there he is," Krawczynski said. "He walks out, and he has his father and four of his friends, and he watches the game."

Krawczynski added that Towns was "gracious" toward all the players on both teams, took photos, and then had one-on-one conversations of encouragement with his children. He concluded by describing Towns' "gesture" as "over the top," noting that the big man was scheduled to fly to New York the next day.

After Krawczynski's story about Karl-Anthony Towns' heartwarming gesture made the rounds on X/Twitter, NBA fans commended the incoming Knicks star for his integrity.

"Incredible. What a class act," @theworldcinemaa said.

"Amazing human being," @CookedByNazReid wrote.

"Genuinely love this guy," @bodigglesL said.

Meanwhile, some Timberwolves fans expressed sorrow over seeing Towns leave Minnesota after nine seasons.

"We didn't deserve KAT. He is one of one and will be missed," @alman248 said.

"I've never cried over a player leaving a team until this video ... Hope he retires a Wolf, man," @Teldaru wrote.

"There are levels to this pain," @gotyobackzach said.

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Karl-Anthony Towns sends emotional farewell message to Timberwolves fans

After the three-team deal that sent him to New York became official late Tuesday, Karl-Anthony Towns expressed gratitude to Minnesota fans.

On Wednesday, the big man issued a lengthy farewell message on his social media accounts. He emotionally reflected on his nine-year tenure as a Timberwolf dating back to being drafted No. 1 by the franchise in the 2015 NBA draft.

"Nine years ago, I arrived in Minnesota as a young man with a dream," Towns said. "Little did I know that this place would become my home, and its people would become my family. Your love, support and unwavering loyalty have fueled my journey and inspired me to be the best player I could be.

" ... To the incredible fans, your support has meant the world to me. It gave me strength on and off the court. I'll never forget it. You'll always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything," he continued.

While Karl-Anthony Towns' early years in Minnesota regularly featured him playing for lottery-bound teams, he left on a high note. The 2023-24 Timberwolves made the franchise's first conference finals appearance since 2004, likely creating lasting memories for their fanbase.

So, between his beloved character and contributions to Minnesota, Towns should receive an overwhelmingly positive reception upon his eventual return as a Knick.

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