Loyalty in the NBA is a fickle thing; both teams and superstars have switched up on one another in recent memory. One of the more unexpected trades was the Minnesota Timberwolves’ deal away of Karl-Anthony Towns in 2024. And Towns himself is still emotional about it, as evidenced by his recent return.

KAT played in Minnesota for just the second time as a member of the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. He also had a monster individual performance, putting up 40 points and 13 rebounds. It wasn’t enough for New York to win, and it seemingly made KAT feel quite contemplative in the aftermath.

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Karl-Anthony Towns: “You could be at peace w/[the trade], but it still stings when you’re not walking in this locker room, coming to this amazing state, city, and realize you’re not going to the training facility anymore … and now you’re in a hotel. I think it hits different.”

— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) December 23, 2025

“You could be at peace with it (the trade), but it still stings when you’re not walking in this locker room, coming to this amazing state, city, and realize you’re not going to the training facility anymore … and now you’re in a hotel. I think it hits different,” Towns said, as per The Star Tribune’s Chris Hine.

Towns was drafted by the Wolves with the No. 1 overall pick in 2015 and spent a decade there. His perceived shortcomings, combined with the 2024 Western Conference Finals loss, are likely what eventually led to KAT’s exit.

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle holds the ball as New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns plays defense. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

As time goes on and Towns continues to play for the Knicks, these emotions will likely subside. After all, winning is what matters in the NBA, and becoming a New York legend might help numb the pain of his Timberwolves exit.

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