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 NBA landscape completely shifted late Friday night with the news from The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski that the Knicks would be acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns from Minnesota in a package centered around Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.

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.