Wolves' Anthony Edwards Says Karl-Anthony Towns' Rumored Knicks Trade 'Really Hurt'

Anthony Edwards is going to miss Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Timberwolves reportedly traded Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round pick via the Detroit Pistons. When asked about the move at Timberwolves media day, Edwards acknowledged that the move "really hurt" due to his close relationship with Towns.

Edwards also said that he understands that the NBA is "a business" and that he is looking forward to meeting the new players and rolling with it, per Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

Towns was the No. 1 pick of the 2015 NBA draft and had spent his entire nine-year career with the Timberwolves. That includes the entirety of Edwards' four-year career to this point.

He has been a cornerstone piece of the franchise alongside Edwards and Rudy Gobert, but now Minnesota will see if Randle and DiVincenzo can add a new element to the team.

Towns, meanwhile, will solidify the center position for a Knicks team that desperately needs some help while Mitchell Robinson is sidelined.

The move could benefit both teams but it also sees a beloved figure depart for a new opportunity. Edwards now becomes an even clearer focal point in Minnesota and will attempt to build chemistry with Randle and DiVincenzo as the franchise hopes to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.