Homecoming: Karl-Anthony Towns hopes to amplify Knicks' title hopes

CHARLESTON, S.C. — This was the day the Knicks had been waiting for. The next chapter of their ambitious blueprint had finally begun.

Karl-Anthony Towns, the crown jewel of their blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, was on the floor. After nearly a week of delays and salary-cap hurdles, Towns was finally donning a Knicks practice jersey.

The deal, finalized on Wednesday, sent shockwaves through a 50-win roster. Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo — two key contributors — were sent out West.

But by Thursday, the waiting was over. The Knicks, at last, had their new-look starting lineup on the court.

“Here’s the thing: Julius and Donte added a lot to our team. We had a need at the center position, so that was really the driving force behind [the trade],” said head coach Tom Thibodeau, now able to speak on the deal. “But we certainly appreciated everything those guys did for us.

“It’s a tough decision to make, but we felt it was one that we had to make, and now we’re excited to have KAT. To get a player of his stature was huge. You don’t get a player like that without giving good players up, which we had to do, but we’re excited about the team that we have.”

For Towns, the moment was emotional.

Leaving Minnesota wasn’t just business — it was personal. The franchise that drafted him first overall in 2015 had become his second home. It was where he grew into a four-time All-Star, one of the league’s premier 3-point shooting big men.

“Start it off by saying I’m super thankful for the nine years I had in Minnesota,” Towns said. “It was amazing to be accepted by the community for nine years. Thank you for allowing me to inspire positivity and change there.”

He wasn’t just thanking a team — he was saying goodbye to an entire chapter of his life, while beginning a new one closer to home.

“And to all the amazing teammates I’ve had, and the coaches and front offices that I’ve been part of, I’m tremendously thankful for the opportunity to play basketball there,” Towns continued. “I’m excited to be playing here, and I can’t wait to start.”

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It’s been nearly a week since news first broke of the blockbuster trade, and moments after his first Knicks practice, Towns’ phone is still buzzing.

His family isn’t letting him forget the significance of this homecoming.

Towns’ mother, Jacqueline, who tragically passed from COVID-19 in 2020, emigrated from the Dominican Republic. Now, his Dominican side is lighting up his phone, celebrating his move to New York. Dominicans make up nearly 8% of the city’s population, and Towns knows this moment holds deeper meaning.

“The Dominicans are very excited,” Towns said. “My mom emigrating over here from the DR — Madison Square Garden to her was the Mecca, and to our family it’s always been the Mecca. To be able to play in a place that’s so revered by her, obviously it strikes a different emotion.”

For years, Knicks fans imagined a Towns-to-New York scenario.

After all, Knicks president Leon Rose was Towns’ former agent at CAA. But even as rumors swirled, Towns stayed focused on bigger goals.

“I just focused on basketball. I focused on playing basketball and let all the outside noise be that — outside noise,” he said. “So I just stayed focused on the job at hand. Whatever happened happened.”

Towns isn’t the team’s only hometown hero. Knicks big man Precious Achiuwa, a Bronx native, had his own homecoming last season.

“I think he’s really happy to be back in New York, especially being from New Jersey,” Achiuwa said. “So that’s kind of like a home for him, and I’m sure he’s excited.”

Reuniting with Thibodeau also carries significance. Despite their reported rocky past, the mutual respect is clear.

“We maintained a relationship over the years, so it’s always good to see him, and it’s great to have him on our team,” he said. “Everyone was chomping at the bit to get started, but that’s part of our league. … It’s great to have him out there with his teammates.”

Thibodeau sees a more seasoned player in Towns, one ready to take the next step.

“He’s a lot more experienced. I think all those experiences teaches you a lot. He’s been through a lot of different things now, so he’s bringing all those experiences here,” he said. “I think his understanding is much further along now than it was his second year in the league, and his skill set is is so unique. I think he fits well with everybody.”

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Towns’ arrival marks the Knicks’ most talented roster since their 1999 Finals run.

He steps into a re-imagined team built around Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, whose defense alongside Bridges sets the Knicks up for one of their best defensive seasons in years.

But rim protection remains an area of concern. In Minnesota, that responsibility fell largely to four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.

Now, Towns — known more for his offense — will have to anchor the paint, especially with Mitchell Robinson out until December.

“We have to do everything collectively,” Thibodeau said. “[Towns’] shot-blocking and length will help, but a second and third-effort mentality is key. I like the versatility of our wings — Mikal, OG, Josh — that allows us to do some things.”

Thibodeau also highlighted the defensive impact of the second unit. “Cam [Payne] is disruptive, Deuce [McBride] too,” he said. “Landry [Shamet] is underrated defensively. We’ve got a number of weapons.”

Rim protection aside, the Knicks project to be lethal on both ends of the floor.

“I think defensively we can become a monster,” Achiuwa said. “Guys like myself, OG — we can take the life out of teams.”

Offensively, the Knicks will lean on Towns, statistically the best 3-point shooting big man in NBA history, for spacing.

Towns joins a starting lineup flooded with marksmen. Hart, McBride, Shamet, and Payne add extra spacing, making the Knicks a dangerous five-out team.

“You’re seeing that’s the way of our league now,” Thibodeau said. “Most teams have one big that can play away from the basket, and it opens up the floor so you’re playing five-out. But to have a guy who can not only shoot the three, but also put it on the floor, and play back to the basket — he does it all. He’s very difficult to switch against.”

After his Western Conference finals run with Minnesota, Towns is ready to help the Knicks reach new heights. The Knicks haven’t won a championship since 1973, and he’s focused on ending that drought.

“I think most importantly to get to a position like that, it starts now,” he said. “It’s not during the season. It’s not you start tuning up second half of the season after All-Star break. It starts now … So just staying focused, working on our discipline, working on our habits. I’m just here to amplify everybody as much as possible.”

The trade is done, and Towns is preparing for his next chapter.

For him, this isn’t just about basketball — it’s about bringing a title home for the first time in over 50 years.

“It’s not my home. It’s our home,” he said. “These guys have done something special there last year. JB’s been building something special. This is our home. I’ll amplify them and be the best teammate I can be.

“I’m honored to be here. But most of all, I’m ready to get to work.”