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 had media day on Monday. Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo aren't in attendance because they were traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns, who is very close to being an official New York Knick,

But since the trade has not officially been finalized yet, the Knicks were not allowed to talk about it at the NBA 's media day. Multiple players, and the team's head coach, Tom Thibodeau, dodged questions regarding Towns and the players traded for him.