Anthony Edwards won't love the Karl-Anthony Towns trade per social media
Yesterday at 01:50 PM
The Minnesota Timberwolves shocked the NBA world by reportedly trading Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in a blockbuster deal that sent Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a future first-round pick back to Minnesota, per Bleacherreport. The trade aims to build a long-term contender around rising star Anthony Edwards, but fans and analysts alike wonder how Edwards truly feels about this sudden shake-up.
While the Timberwolves' front office made the trade with Edwards' future in mind, shedding Towns' hefty four-year, $220.4 million contract creates flexibility for the team moving forward. The arrival of Randle and DiVincenzo gives Minnesota key pieces, but fans on social media aren't convinced this move will sit well with Edwards. Some worry that Rudy Gobert and Randle's lack of efficient shooting could frustrate Edwards, especially since Towns was known for his offensive versatility.
Social Media Speculation: Edwards' Frustration
Social media users quickly voiced their opinions, with many believing Edwards might not be thrilled about the trade. One fan posted a clip from Above the Rim, featuring Tupac looking shocked, capturing the disbelief over the move. Others joked about the chemistry between Edwards and his new teammates, posting clips of people jumping out of windows, with captions hinting at Edwards' frustration after just a few minutes with Gobert and Randle.
Anthony Edwards seeing that his new front-court is Julius Randle & Rudy Gobert: pic.twitter.com/0qbxKybTyX
— D.J. (@WXBelk) September 28, 2024
Anthony Edwards going from playing with LeBron and Steph to Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert pic.twitter.com/nzsUxuFZci
— 𝐕𝐉☆ (@HeDontMissVj) September 28, 2024
Anthony Edwards after Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert shoot 4/38 from the field
pic.twitter.com/IxvCoi8Lca— 𝐀𝐥𝐝𝐨 (@Aldov123) September 28, 2024
While these reactions are mostly in jest, there's a kernel of truth behind the memes. Edwards began his career alongside Towns, and the two seemed to have developed solid chemistry. Now, he'll need to adjust to playing with Randle, whose style is much different from Towns' all-around offensive game. It's no secret that Randle's shot selection can be inconsistent, something that could complicate Edwards' growth and patience on the court.
Shedding Contracts for Edwards' Future
Despite the online buzz about Edwards' potential displeasure, the Timberwolves' rationale behind the trade is financially sound. The team's salary cap situation became untenable with the long-term deals for Edwards, Towns, Gobert, and rising stars like Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid. Trading Towns allows Minnesota to avoid severe luxury tax penalties and keep key pieces intact while maintaining roster flexibility to build around Anthony Edwards.
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reported that keeping Towns would have likely forced Minnesota to part ways with Reid and possibly Nickeil Alexander-Walker. With Edwards beginning his five-year max contract and Gobert still on the books, the Wolves needed a way to keep their future open. By moving Towns, they not only retain popular players but also prepare for more sustainable long-term success with Edwards as the focal point.
However, that doesn't mean fans—or Edwards—will immediately buy into the vision. Towns was the No. 1 overall pick in 2015, and his exit marks the end of an era for Minnesota basketball. As the Timberwolves move forward, only time will tell if this trade truly maximizes Edwards' window or leaves the team struggling to replicate its recent success.
The post Anthony Edwards won’t love the Karl-Anthony Towns trade per social media appeared first on ClutchPoints.
