Denver Nuggets Coach Gives Blunt Response to Blockbuster Knicks Trade

The NBA was shaken up by this Karl-Anthony Towns trade.

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during Media Day. / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The NBA world was shaken up by the unexpected news that Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns had been traded to the New York Knicks.

This trade came out of nowhere and projects to have a significant impact on both NBA conferences. The Timberwolves made the Western Conference Finals last season, eliminating the defending champion Denver Nuggets the round prior.

Minnesota’s win over Denver made their decision to trade Towns even more surprising, because he was arguably the biggest key to their success in that series. Averaging 18.6 points and 9.1 rebounds against Nuggets, Towns also played a critical role defensively alongside Rudy Gobert.

This possession right here was the one — the one that best represents the Wolves defense this series.

1) KAT holding the line against Jokic’s back-down bully ball
2) Gobert floating as a free safety, helping on Jokic and influencing AG’s layup
3) Jaden hands in the passing lanes pic.twitter.com/fw2UUWWu2G

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 20, 2024

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was asked about the Towns trade during a media session in Abu Dhabi. 

“We're worried about us,” Malone said. “We don't concern ourselves with what's going outside our gym. We’re just worried about the Denver Nuggets.”

Michael Malone on Training Camp and the KAT trade

"It's been great... Guys came in shape, committed, and I think everyone used the sting of losing to Minnesota last year to come back as better players."

On KAT - "No, we're worried about us. We don't concern ourselves with… pic.twitter.com/dTcBBIUDMb

— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) October 3, 2024

This is a blunt answer from Malone, but it makes sense.

Until the Nuggets see Minnesota again, there is little reason to worry about their new-look team. For now, the Nuggets are focused on getting back to the top of the Western Conference.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) at Target Center. / Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

As for New York, this move is one that many believe puts them in a new tier of Eastern Conference contenders. Already one of the most dangerous teams in the league, New York adds a four-time NBA All-Star who projects to fit very well in their starting lineup.

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