Shocking news in the NBA came last week when 3-time All-Star Julius Randle and "Nova Knicks" cast member Donte DiVincenzo were traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for 4-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns. The blockbuster trade surprised many, as both the Knicks and Timberwolves were strong playoff teams in the 2024 postseason. Many Knicks fans, including myself, were unhappy with the initial trade, as DiVincenzo and Randle were critical to the team's success, while Towns has been criticized for lacking leadership qualities and a killer instinct in late-game situations. However, after reviewing the ShotQuality data, it seems Towns will fit right into the Knicks' style and add an extra dynamic the team currently lacks.

Last season, the Knicks were middle of the pack, ranking 17th in the league in finishing at the rim and 13th in pick-and-roll ball screens. For reference, the defending champion Celtics ranked in the top five in both categories. To improve, the Knicks added Karl- Anthony Towns, who ranked in the 97th percentile in cut layups last season. Towns replaces former Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein as the cutting big man and will benefit from many Jalen Brunson assists.

Towns spaces the floor exceptionally well as one of the best shooting big men of all time. Last year, the Knicks were excellent in catch-and-shoot 3PT efficiency (6th) and off-the-dribble 3PT efficiency (5th). However, DiVincenzo played a major role in these areas, accounting for over a third of the Knicks' total output. With him gone to Minnesota, the Knicks had to find a replacement, and they did so by upgrading. Towns is in the 79th percentile in catch-and-shoot 3PT efficiency and the 65th percentile in off- the-dribble 3PT efficiency. As a 7-footer, Towns' ability to shoot adds a new dynamic to the team, forcing defenses to respect his outside shot and allowing Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges to attack the lane while big shot-blocking centers guard Towns on the perimeter.

The ShotQuality data doesn't lie—Towns' offensive impact will be felt immediately as he joins the Knicks. To reach the top of the league, as Boston did last year, finishing at the rim and creating shots are critical, and few are better than Towns in this area. Losing DiVincenzo's three-point shooting definitely hurts, but by replacing him with a 7-footer who can hit from deep and space the floor, the Knicks won this trade and hope Towns' offensive impact will pay dividends in June.