A 2022 deal for Rudy Gobert, much maligned in its aftermath, wasn’t just about acquiring a behemoth who could prop up a defense all on his own. It also was about the man playing next to him, Karl-Anthony Towns, who is soon to be the newest member of the New York Knicks.

The New York Knicks haven't made the NBA Finals in this millennium but Kendrick Perkins thinks that is about to change after trading for Karl-Anthony Towns. On NBA Today, Perkins was asked if Towns is the missing piece to get the Knicks to the Finals and he firmly believes that to be the case.

The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the trade is official. The Knicks plan to send Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round pick to the Timberwolves as part of the blockbuster trade just as training camps are getting ready to open for most teams.