Inside The Celtics

The Stunning Detail That Got the Knicks' Blockbuster Trade Done

Bobby Krivitsky

May 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter of game four of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
May 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter of game four of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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On Tuesday night, the Knicks, Timberwolves, and Hornets ironed out the specifics of their three-team blockbuster trade.

According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, New York will receive Karl-Anthony Towns and the draft rights of James Nnaji (from Charlotte). Nnaji was the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft.

Minnesota is acquiring Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop, and a 2025 first-round pick from the Knicks via the Pistons.

Detroit's 2025 opening-round selection is top-13 protected. It's top-11 protected in 2026 and top-nine protected in 2027. It will convert into a 2027 second-round pick from Detroit if not conveyed yet.

DaQuan Jeffries, Charlie Brown Jr., and Duane Washington will each join the Hornets via a sign-and-trade from New York. Charlotte also receives a 2025 second-round selection that's the least favorable of the Nuggets or 76ers via the Timberwolves, a 2026 second-round pick from the Warriors via the Knicks, a 2031 second-round selection from New York, and $7.2 million in cash.

The Timberwolves coveted DiVincenzo, and head coach Chris Finch and Randle are familiar with each other from their time together with the Pelicans. However, Shams Charania of The Athletic said the Knicks' including that first-round pick via the Pistons is what got this deal done.

From this vantage point, the protections on that Pistons pick significantly dim the shine on it.

As for how the Celtics view what's now widely considered their top external threat in the Eastern Conference acquiring a four-time All-Star in Towns, their reaction is a testament to an essential part of their championship evolution and their quest for Banner 19.

Further Reading

Jaylen Brown Hopes Launching 741 Inspires Athletes & Creators: 'Dedicated to That'

Jrue Holiday Sends Powerful Message as Lonnie Walker Fights for Roster Spot

Bulked Up Baylor Scheierman Learning from Celtics' Sharpshooter & Impressing Mazzulla

Jayson Tatum Shares a Part of Legacy He's Trying to Leave Behind

Lonnie Walker IV Shares Brad Stevens' Message & Outlook on Exhibit 10 Deal

Derrick White Voices His Loyalty to Boston After Signing Extension

Brad Stevens Gives Honest Thoughts on Celtics’ Sale & Luxury Tax Penalties

Jayson Tatum Discusses Balancing MVP and Title Chase and His Excitement to Start Over

Jayson Tatum Discusses Becoming an Author, Tatum 3s, 2K Cover, and More

Byproduct of New CBA Threatens Jordan Walsh's Roster Spot with Celtics

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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