Towns and Randle Shine as Knicks, Timberwolves Reach Conference Finals

Minneapolis, Minnesota — Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle have made a significant impact on their respective teams as both the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves advance to the Conference Finals. This surprising twist follows a major trade before the season, where the Knicks acquired Towns from the Timberwolves in exchange for Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.

On May 19, 2025, both teams marked their spots in basketball history by overcoming playoff challenges. The Knicks eliminated the No. 2-seeded Boston Celtics in six games. Meanwhile, Randle’s Timberwolves clinched their spot by defeating the Golden State Warriors in their semifinal matchup.

During the offseason, the Knicks aimed to enhance their roster after falling short in the second round of the playoffs the previous year. They sought a dominant big man to fill the gap left by Isaiah Hartenstein‘s departure. Towns, a skilled center, proved to be the game-changer they were looking for. This season, he averaged 24.4 points and a career-high 12.8 rebounds per game while shooting 42% from beyond the arc. In the playoffs, Towns has also recorded eight double-doubles in just 12 games.

The Knicks significantly improved their offensive performance, moving from seventh to fifth in offensive ratings since acquiring Towns. Their scoring average also increased from 112.8 points per game to 115.8 points, showcasing his essential role in the team’s success.

On the Timberwolves’ side, Randle quickly became a fan favorite, delivering strong performances despite dealing with an injury in February. He averaged 18.7 points and 7.1 rebounds during the regular season and has ramped it up in the playoffs, where he is scoring 23.9 points per game in the postseason.

DiVincenzo, a part of the trade, has proven valuable to the Timberwolves as well, contributing significantly off the bench. Throughout the regular season, he ranked second on the team in both three-pointers and steals.

The stakes have risen for both teams as they eye the NBA Finals, with each team just eight wins away from a historic matchup. DiVincenzo reflected on the trade’s success, noting, “It’s really cool to see a trade that happens that you can rule it as a win-win for both sides.”

Both Towns and Randle’s performances in the postseason have showcased their talents, making the trade look promising for both teams. The Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, while the Timberwolves are back in the Western Conference Finals for a second consecutive year.