NBA Champion Critical Of New York Knicks Blockbuster Trade

Iman Shumpert spoke about the Karl-Anthony Towns trade.

Sep 30, 2013; Tarrytown, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Iman Shumpert answers questions during media day at MSG Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, the New York Knicks made their three-team trade with the Charlotte Hornets and Minnesota Timberwolves official.

The team has now acquired four-time NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns.

Many people have given their opinions on the deal, and one person who shared a bold reaction was former Knicks star Iman Shumpert (via ESPN's First Take).

Shumpert: "I love them on paper. I love the KAT, Brunson, I love that on paper, that's awesome. I don't love that at the end of the game in the playoffs. It's not scary enough. There's gotta be some player that can go off by himself in the playoffs... I'm not against KAT or Brunson. I like both of them as players... I like them on paper, at the end of a game, I would take my chances saying, yes I will guard Brunson and we will rotate on KAT."

"I love [KAT and Jalen Brunson] on paper. ... I don't love that at the end of the game in the playoffs. It's not scary enough."

—@imanshumpert on the new-look Knicks 👀 pic.twitter.com/aOAdNZYaeD

— First Take (@FirstTake) October 2, 2024

Fans on social media did not agree with Shumpert's assessment.

Brunson was easily the best closer in last year's playoffs, by the numbers and by the eye test. This is a horrible take, almost feels like you're trolling for real.

— FuriousFloyd (@FuriousFloyd) October 2, 2024

I love his game. It shocked the world not me. But I still stand in what I said. You ever see CP3 problem at the end of games? Really pay attention, yall getting too emotional https://t.co/d5VFClO8Wg

— Iman. (@imanshumpert) October 2, 2024

Well that’s a lie but ok. https://t.co/ARqpkSpQqY

— Iman. (@imanshumpert) October 2, 2024

No here’s the type convos we need…elaborate for me https://t.co/XWvSFmwSA6

— Iman. (@imanshumpert) October 2, 2024

Shumpert spent the first four seasons of his career with the Knicks.

He was on one of their most talented teams that also featured Carmelo Anthony, Raymond Felton, J.R. Smith, Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire.

In addition, the former Georgia Tech star won an NBA Championship with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

May 5, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7), small forward Iman Shumpert (21), and point guard Raymond Felton (2) look on against the Indiana Pacers during the first half of game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The Knicks have been one of the best stories in the NBA over the previous two years.

They will open up the 2024-25 season on October 22 when they visit Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics in Massachusetts.