The New York Knicks are shaking things up just days ahead of their training camp starting on October 1. On Friday, they pulled off a significant trade, sending three-time All-Star Julius Randle, shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo, forward Keita Bates-Diop, and a future first-round draft pick to acquire four-time All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns.
This move aims to enhance the Knicks’ offensive capabilities with Towns’ impressive scoring skills. The team is also looking at Mitchell Robinson, who has transitioned to a backup role, alongside athletic forwards Precious Achiuwa and OG Anunoby to bolster their frontcourt defense.
Read more: Complete Overview of the Trade Sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks
During his time with the 56-26 Timberwolves in the 2023-24 season, Towns averaged 21.8 points, with shooting percentages of .504 from the field, .416 from three-point range, and .873 from the free-throw line, alongside 8.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
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According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Knicks have also made a more low-key move by releasing veterans Marcus Morris Sr. and Chuma Okeke. With their departures, it seems New York is considering shooting guard Landry Shamet as a potential free-agent addition to their bench.
Both Morris and Okeke had been signed to non-guaranteed contracts earlier this offseason, but now they will need to seek new opportunities in the NBA. Okeke, a versatile 6-foot-7 player from Auburn, was drafted 16th overall in 2019. He faced challenges early in his career due to an ACL injury but had some productive seasons with Orlando, though his minutes dwindled last season to just 9.2 per game.
Morris, at 35 years old and a veteran of the league since 2011, has seen a decline from his prime days with the Celtics. Still, he could be a valuable end-of-bench contributor for a playoff-contending team, averaging 6.4 points and 2.7 rebounds last season.
As for the Knicks’ current roster, 6-foot-5 shooting guard Alex O’Connell is still around under an Exhibit 10 deal but may be waived ahead of the regular season. If that happens, he could join the team’s G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks, potentially earning a bonus of up to $77,500 if he stays there for at least 60 days.