The NBA has seen a blockbuster trade between the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves, featuring multiple-time All-Stars Karl-Anthony Towns , Julius Randle, and the solid guard Donte DiVincenzo. The first-mentioned name is making his way to the Big Apple, while the latter two, along with a 2025 first-round pick, are going the other way.
Trades like this always spark discussions about which team got the better deal. Interestingly, you will likely hear a common response when you ask fans from both sides. They'll probably argue that one role player on their team will now get more playing time—a sentiment likely to please both Knicks and Timberwolves fans alike.
Naz Reid will become even more important
In Minnesota, KAT had previously teamed up with center Rudy Gobert. When either of them needed a break or when Rudy faced tough matchups, Naz Reid stepped in.
Undrafted in 2019, 'The Big Jelly' began with their G-League affiliate before making his NBA debut and gradually becoming one of the league's top backup options. The 25-year-old underlined that by winning the recent 6MOY award after averaging 13.5 points and 5 rebounds in 24.2 minutes per game during the regular season . Naz further proved his value during the team's impressive playoff run.
The 6'9" big has become a fan favorite, and supporters will be thrilled to see him get more playing time soon. Likely, head coach Chris Finch often pairs the New Jersey native with newly acquired Randle when Gobert is the odd man out. Reid's floor-stretching ability, evidenced by his .414 three-point shooting last regular season, contrasts sharply with the Frenchman's skill set. Consequently, 'The Big Jelly' will be crucial in specific matchups next season.
Miles McBride is poised to fill DiVincenzo's shoes
Many fans in New York were eager to see a Villanova backcourt of Jalen Brunson and DiVincenzo . Though they'll now go their separate ways, there's a silver lining—this move will open up more playing time for Miles McBride.
The guard's NBA journey closely mirrors Reid's. Miles was also not highly regarded pre-draft, being a late second-round pick by OKC in 2021. He then joined the Knicks , starting with their G-League affiliate. After signing an extension with the main team in late 2023 and solidifying his role in the rotation, McBride will be even more crucial for the team going forward.
The Cincinnati native showed promise in last year's playoffs and posted impressive per-36 regular season stats of 14.2 points and 3.1 assists. 'Deuce' also averaged 1.4 steals, highlighting his significant two-way potential. Furthermore, he shot .410 from beyond the arc. Those traits make the 24-year-old an ideal complement to the ball-dominant Brunson—both will likely play alongside each other more in the near future.
It's always great to see underdog stories, and Reid's and McBride's are exactly that. Against the odds, they have gradually found well-deserved places in the league—places that will likely only grow next season, considering their teams' new setups.
Related: "I would love KAT in New York" - Stephen A. Smith wants the Knicks to trade for Karl-Anthony Towns
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