Karl-Anthony Towns Posts Wolves Tribute Video After Trade: 'Thank You for Everything'

Veteran center Karl-Anthony Towns is set to embark on a new chapter of his career after being traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the New York Knicks, and he paid tribute to the franchise that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2015 with a video on social media.

"You'll always hold a special place in my heart," Towns wrote in the caption. "Thank you for everything."

The Timberwolves also posted a video tribute to Towns on Wednesday:

Towns was sent to the Knicks as part of a three-team trade that included the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for a package that included Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a 2025 first-round pick. The 28-year-old is entering the first year of his four-year, $224 million max extension, which played a factor in the Timberwolves' decision to ship him away.

After nine years in Minnesota, Towns was considered the face of the franchise. However, rising star Anthony Edwards took over that mantle over the past two years.

A four-time All-Star, Towns played 62 games last season and averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists to help lead the Timberwolves to a third-place finish in the Western Conference with a 56-26 record. The team advanced to the conference finals before being eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in five games.

Towns is joining a Knicks team that is hungry to contend for a title following an impressive offseason. New York also acquired swingman Mikal Bridges, re-signed wing defender OG Anunoby and signed star point guard Jalen Brunson to a contract extension. A New Jersey native, Towns now has the opportunity to bring his winning ways to the East Coast.

The new-look Knicks will begin their quest for title contention when they open the 2024-25 season on Oct. 22 against the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics.