"THIS IS TERRIBLE", "Both teams somehow got fleeced": Fans react sharply to Knicks acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns in blockbuster trade

The NBA world was taken aback on Friday evening when news surfaced that the New York Knicks had executed a blockbuster trade to acquire star center Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Knicks' trade package was headlined by Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round pick from Detroit.

Charania further reported that the Charlotte Hornets are involved in the trade as part of a three-team agreement. As part of the deal, the Knicks are sending salary, including DaQuan Jeffries, along with draft picks, to the Hornets.

Basketball fans reacted candidly to the unexpected trade, with some expressing disappointment over the deal. A portion of the fanbase was particularly unhappy with the outcome.

"I don’t like this at all. I really enjoyed having divincenzo on the team. He opened up the court by giving them a real 3pt threat. Towns has a bad attitude. The reason the knicks weee good is because they didn’t have me first guys," one fan said.

"Both teams somehow got fleeced," another commented.

"I just don’t get why the Wolves did this, sure they add a little bit of depth but KAT is a legend in Minnesota and this offer doesn’t make them a crazy better team," one fan said.

"One first-round pick for KAT?! Knicks got away with a steal here. Randle and DiVincenzo are solid, but Towns is a game-changer. The East just got tougher, but honestly, Minnesota could’ve asked for way more," another added.

"A win for both teams. Karl stood around and wasn't efficient in playoffs but will probably be better with the Knicks ball movement and spacing," one fan said.

Karl-Anthony Towns didn't ask for the trade

Karl-Anthony Towns played a crucial role in the Minnesota Timberwolves' run to the Western Conference Finals last season. According to The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski, the four-time All-Star did not request a trade from the team’s front office.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne spoke with a source close to Towns, who shared his reaction to being traded to the Knicks.

Talking about Towns, the former NBA Rookie of the Year is the only big man in league history to have multiple seasons with at least 20 points on 50% shooting from the field and 40% from 3 point range. Furthermore, he has achieved the mark five times in his career.