Despite the massive trade that happened less than 72 hours ago, the Timberwolves will continue with their Media Day on Monday.
The NBA world was stunned after the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks agreed to a blockbuster trade based around two All-NBA talents. A lot of Timberwolves faithful were devasted by the news. Karl-Anthony Towns, the franchise cornerstone since 2015, will be exchanged for fellow University of Kentucky alum, Julius Randle, 2021 NBA champion sharpshooter, Donte DiVincenzo, and a future first-round pick by way of the Detroit Pistons.
The sheer magnitude of this trade is a lot to unpack, both on a basketball-level and an emotional-level. Both fan bases have a bit of a love-hate relationship with all players involved in the trade. Many thought there was not going to be much time to process this seismic shift, as a large number of NBA teams were set to have their Media Day following the weekend. This includes both the Knicks (10am CT) and Wolves (12:30pm CT).
Then ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne shared the following information on Sunday.
The Knicks-TWolves-Hornets trade involving Julius Randle, Karl Anthony Towns and Donte DiVincenzo is still on track, but not completed yet. The expectation is early this week, sources tell ESPN, which means the players involved will not be at media day as camps start to open…
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) September 29, 2024
This will certainly make for a number of awkward exchanges and “Can they, or can’t they” games between players, coaches, and media members. For example, New York’s starting point guard, Jalen Brunson, played coy.
Jalen Brunson says he doesn’t know who KAT is
Reporter: “Did you say hi to Karl when he got here?”
Brunson: “Who’s Karl?” pic.twitter.com/oQZaCYrzCr
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 30, 2024
Meanwhile, newly acquired Mikal Bridges shared his affinity for Towns. Minnesota has yet to begin their Media Day, but knowing Anthony Edwards, we’ll likely get some interesting quotes. Most likely, all Towns’ former teammates will have nothing but positive things to say about him. Some players, like Rudy Gobert, have already shared some parting messages on social media.
Rudy Gobert shows love to KAT after the trade news ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eFUanZOZe0
— Wolves Lead (@TWolvesLead) September 29, 2024
Aside from this trade, there are plenty more storylines to follow. The Wolves have three rookies who may play meaningful minutes this season, between Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Jaylen Clark. There’s a new, but experienced, face on the team in Joe Ingles. Naz Reid is set to be the future power forward of the Timberwolves.
What storyline are you most intrigued to follow on Media Day? Who are you most excited to hear from?
Are we ready to do this again?