After being drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Karl-Anthony spent nine seasons with the Timberwolves.
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However, KAT's time in Minnesota came to an end this offseason, when he was traded to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop, and a future first-round draft pick.
On Thursday night, the Timberwolves (14-11) hosted the Knicks (16-10), and Towns was welcomed back to the Target Center with a standing ovation and tribute video.
All love for KAT in Minny ❤️
Karl-Anthony Towns got a tribute video and a massive ovation in his first game back in Minnesota since the Timberwolves traded him.
🎥 @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/KsVJfTrPK4
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 20, 2024
In view of his on-the-court play, the Timberwolves' front office may have felt sick watching KAT's homecoming game, as Towns certainly reminded them of his superstar talent.
Karl-Anthony Towns vs Minnesota Timberwolves
32 PTS | 20 REB | 6 AST | +31
KAT destroyed his former team. 💥🏀 pic.twitter.com/CQ4S70obGk
— A Walking Highlight (@11AWH) December 20, 2024
Towns ended the game with 32 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists, while shooting 5-for-5 from three-point range, propelling his new team to a 133-107 victory over his former team.
"Really happy that the fans appreciate the work I gave here"
Karl-Anthony Towns shows gratitude towards Minnesota fans 💓
(via @NBAonTNT)pic.twitter.com/mt07nV9Vx5
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 20, 2024
The only other NBA player to score 30+ points and 20+ rebounds in the first game vs. their former team was six-time MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who put up 30 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, and nine blocks while wearing a Lakers uniform vs. his former team, the Milwaukee Bucks (10/28/1975).
Edwards says he’s not happy about the loss but he’s very happy for Karl-Anthony Towns pic.twitter.com/lNlsxbUS6m
— Pierre Noujaim (@TheNoujFOX9) December 20, 2024
Prior to tip-off, Towns noted how surreal it was being a visitor in a place he once called home for nine years.
Karl-Anthony Towns plays for a visiting team at Target Center for the first time tonight.
He was all smiles this morning recalling memories and lessons from his 9-seasons w/ the #Timberwolves and the emotions of returning
(1/3)
Full press conference:https://t.co/DU15duWRE8 pic.twitter.com/KO9CT6XYVy
— KSTPSports (@KSTPSports) December 19, 2024
KAT stayed at his house in the suburbs last night. @SbondyNBA asked him if he had trouble navigating the snow to get to shootaround this morning.
"That's a New York question, not a Minnesotan question," Towns cracked. "I ain't gonna answer that."
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) December 19, 2024
All in all, it seems Towns still has love for Minnesota, even admitting that he still keeps in touch with his old teammates and referred to himself as an "avid Timberwolves fan."
WATCH: Karl-Anthony Towns speaks about playing at Target Center tonight for the first time since being traded from the #Timberwolves:
"I just want to appreciate every second, every moment of this experience... I'm an avid Timberwolves fan now." pic.twitter.com/rEqS2kEuWJ
— FOX 9 (@FOX9) December 19, 2024
Karl-Anthony Towns on being traded from Minnesota:
“I thought I was gonna retire there… but my former employer did not agree with that.”
(via @Roommates__Show) pic.twitter.com/0LapL21SSn
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 18, 2024
Although the front office seemingly traded Towns (4-year/$220 million) because of "luxury tax" purposes, considering how much KAT meant to the Timberwolves team and fanbase, many aren't too happy with the trade.
“We had to give up one of the best players that’s ever put on a Timberwolves jersey…Just want to let New York know they got a special guy”
— Timberwolves president Tim Connelly on Karl-Anthony Towns pic.twitter.com/zRtPp0wWFB
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) October 3, 2024
"We used to call it the cheat code––a cheat code to great shots, great offense…His ability to score at all levels and distort the floor…definitely definitely definitely a driver of great offense"
–– Wolves Chris Finch on Karl-Anthony Towns who returns to Minnesota Thursday pic.twitter.com/6u7qGFB7y3
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 18, 2024
Notably, back when Towns was drafted, he guaranteed the organization that he would put an end to the team's playoff drought (2004-2018), and this promise was fulfilled during KAT's third season in the NBA.
“I made a promise to Flip Saunders that I would win and I would end the playoff drought, and I intend to do that and keep my promise,” Towns said in October.
That promise has been fulfilled. pic.twitter.com/z52KPMbnBb
— On The Prowl (@ontheprowl_MN) April 12, 2018
And last season, the franchise reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time in two decades, which makes it even a harder pill to swallow for Timberwolves fans.
