When the Minnesota Timberwolves first paired Karl-Anthony Towns with D’Angelo Russell in 2020, many within the organization were cautiously optimistic about their future as potential Western contenders. But after less than three full seasons with the Wolves, D’Lo was traded from the team and criticized for his immaturity and lack of consistency.
While D’Lo is playing some of his best basketball with the Lakers this year, his departure from the Wolves left KAT without his best friend. Despite their flaws on the court, the pair were still very close, and now Towns will have to move forward without him. Speaking on the Podcast P show, the Wolves star spoke about the D’Lo trade and how their relationship stands today, given all that went down.
“Obviously I’m hurt… One, I didn’t know he was getting traded I had to ask him is the rumor I’m seeing on Twitter even remotely true? He was like ‘come to my room’ we was in Utah,” Towns explained. “We just talked about that it was a possibility and obviously at the game it happened. I’m just happy he got to LA and they embraced him. He’s done a great job of staying ready for the moment and obviously Game 6 he showed up big time. I talked to him after the game, told him how proud I am of him. I just want to see him, like, be appreciated and to feel that his worth is being recognized.”
"I'm just happy he got to LA and they embraced him." ✊@KarlTowns was "hurt" by the DLo trade but is "proud" seeing @Dloading thrive with the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/MPf4fYRPVY
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) May 10, 2023
Russell was supposed to be Minnesota’s next franchise point guard, but he was never able to meet expectations as a secondary star for the Wolves. Since joining the Lakers, D’Lo has been pretty up-and-down, but he’s proving that he has what it takes to step up in the most important situations.
No matter how you feel about D’Lo, it’s a fact that the Wolves could have used some of his shot-making in their series against the Nuggets, which would have ended with a sweep if not for the heroics of Anthony Edwards.
What’s Next For The Wolves After Disappointing Postseason?
With Russell out of town, it remains to be seen how much longer KAT will remain loyal to the Wolves. After years of mediocrity and sub-par play, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before Towns starts looking for his ticket out of town.
For now, though, the best that Minnesota can hope for is a constructive free agency that gives them the depth and veteran leadership they desperately need.
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