The New York Knicks may have won the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, at least on paper.
In the deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Knicks arguably got the better, more talented player for the long run, and they also happen to play in a less-competitive conference.
That’s why it’s not much of a surprise to see their projected win total go up with news of the trade.
The Knicks are now projected at over/under 54.5 wins, per DraftKings Sportsbook, three more than before the trade, via Evan Sidery of Forbes.
Updated win total projections for the Knicks and Timberwolves following the Karl-Anthony Towns blockbuster trade, per @DKSportsbook:
Knicks = 54.5 (+3)
Timberwolves = 52.5 (no change)New York now has the third-best odds to win the NBA Finals behind the Celtics and Thunder. pic.twitter.com/MQGURpmlNj
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) September 28, 2024
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, have the same projected win total at over/under 52.5.
The Knicks now have the third-best odds to win the 2024-25 NBA Finals, behind only the defending champion Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Knicks now seem to pose the biggest threat to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference.
New York could’ve made the conference finals last season, but injuries got in its way.
Already with a stout defense, adding Towns and Mikal Bridges to the offensive mix makes them better on both sides of the court.
Though not a physical player by any means, Towns should be able to crash the glass and be a major offensive factor, taking plenty of pressure off Jalen Brunson’s shoulders.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, might not fare much better than they did last season.
Not only is trade acquisition Julius Randle a downgrade from Towns, but he’s also an odd fit next to Rudy Gobert.
Randle is tougher, tough, so he might get along just fine with new teammate Anthony Edwards.
NEXT: Report: Donte DiVincenzo Was Unhappy About Reduced Role
