Adam WellsDecember 20, 2024

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Two months after being traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a surprise move, Karl-Anthony Towns has nothing but love for the organization and fans that he spent the first nine years of his career playing for.

Speaking to reporters after the New York Knicks’ 133-107 win over the Timberwolves in his first visit to Minnesota since the trade, Towns noted he’s still an “avid” fan of his former team.

“I’m an avid Timberwolves fan, so I watch a lot of the games when I get a chance,” Towns said. “They’re still my brothers. They’re still my guys. Just because a trade happened, doesn’t mean I lost love for them. The brotherhood is always going to be there.”

The Timberwolves honored Towns before tipoff with a tribute video leading to a standing ovation from the Target Center crowd.

Towns was a four-time All-Star and won the 2015-16 NBA Rookie of the Year award during his time with the T-Wolves. He helped the franchise make four playoff appearances, including a trip to the Western Conference finals last season.

In his first game at Target Center as an opponent, Towns reminded the Timberwolves what they gave up. He scored 32 points on 10-of-12 shooting with 20 rebounds and six assists in 38 minutes.

Towns had five games with at least 30 points and 20 rebounds in his nine seasons with the Timberwolves. Thursday’s game was his first time hitting those marks since March 23, 2019.

The Timberwolves have struggled to find their footing so far this season without Towns. They are eighth in the Western Conference with a 14-12 record.

Towns’ new team has been more than happy to reap the rewards of his talent. The Knicks have won 12 of their last 16 games and are now in third in the Eastern Conference with a 17-10 record.