The New York Knicks recently acquired star big man Karl Anthony-Towns in a blockbuster trade, and it seems his new teammates may not be quite familiar with him yet, or at least they are pretending to make it appear that way.
That is to say, during the team's media day, Jalen Brunson was asked if he has greeted his new teammate [Karl Anthony-Towns].
Brunson responded, "Who is Karl? Don't know who that is."
Reporter: "Did you say hi to [Karl-Anthony Towns] when he got here?"
Jalen Brunson: "Who is Karl? Don't know who that is." 😂
(via @sny_knicks)pic.twitter.com/JQo1pioZ8T
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 30, 2024
Evidently, Towns and the rest of the players on his new squad aren't quite on a first name basis yet.
Rather, more than likely, the Knicks may have asked the players to refrain from answering questions about their newly acquired big man, as Brunson wasn't the only one, who acted like he didn't know.
To point out, Josh Hart was also asked by a reporter regarding the trade reports.
Reporter: “Seeing the reports…”
Josh Hart: “What report?”
Reporter: “Where it said that Karl-Anthony Towns is being traded to the Knicks.”
Josh Hart: “We got KAT? Oh, wow!” 🤣
(via @sny_knicks)pic.twitter.com/yv3cofM21P
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 30, 2024
"We got KAT? Oh, wow that's crazy," Hart said.
In view of the trade that took place last Friday, Towns was reportedly sent by the Timberwolves to the Knicks, which was a three-team trade that also involved the Charlotte Hornets. That is, the Timberwolves are receiving Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop, and a first-round pick (2025), with the Hornets then getting DaQuan Jeffries.
Towns was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft, and in nine seasons in the league, he has averaged 22.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 blocks, 0.8 steals, while shooting 52.4 FG% and 39.8% 3PT.
The Knicks offense, which is led by Brunson, will now get a boost as they can add a scoring threat, and in particular a 7-footer who can spread the floor with efficient shooting from deep.
As a four-time All-Star, Towns is set to earn $49.4 million this season, as he is currently under contract for a four-year/$221 million deal, which was signed back in July 2022.
Related: Karl-Anthony Towns Said To Be 'Still Processing' Trade To Knicks
