While the blockbuster trade involving Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and Karl-Anthony Towns was announced last Friday night, the deal was taking some time to finalize. After several days of anticipation, the wait is now over, with reports indicating that the deal has been concluded.
As previously stated, the Hornets, who are assisting the two teams in completing the transaction, will receive three second-round picks, two of which come from the Knicks, as well as DaQuan Jeffries, Charlie Brown, and Duane Washington Jr.
In the alleged final version of the transaction, the Knicks will also receive James Nnaji, the 31st selection in the 2023 NBA Draft. The youthful 6’11” centre is regarded as a raw prospect who has some way to go before being declared NBA-ready. Scouts, however, believe the Nigerian national has the defensive potential, athleticism, and energy to draw comparisons to current stars Clint Capela and Mitchell Robinson of the Knicks. While he is unlikely to make an NBA team for a few years, this provides them with a young talent who can contribute or be used in another trade.
The final exchange reveals the deal’s cap consequences. As Sam Quinn of CBS points out, the Knicks, as they have frequently done under Leon Rose, did an excellent job of navigating the salary cap. Despite Towns’ incredibly pricey contract, they can stay beneath the second apron for the next two seasons. And, while they will most likely be over the second apron in 2027 and 2028, they will return to below it when Towns’ contract expires.
As some have pointed out, this now allows the Knicks to keep Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Towns for the next four years while they are still in peak form. Unfortunately for the Knicks, they were unable to get another NBA-ready centre in exchange, as some had hoped. With Robinson’s return uncertain due to injury and trade rumours, the Knicks appear to be entering one of the most significant and anticipated seasons in team history, with Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims serving as the only backup centres.
However, now that the trade is official, everyone can move forward. Randle and DiVincenzo may begin their careers with Minnesota, while Towns can attend training camp. And perhaps we will finally hear more about the transaction from Tom Thibodeau and Jalen Brunson.
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