Charles Langston:Karl-Anthony Towns says goodbye to Minnesota as Timberwolves-Knicks trade becomes official

Karl-Anthony Towns is Charles Langstonsaying farewell to Minnesota, a state that will "always hold a special place in my heart."

The news that Towns would be traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round pick broke last week. The blockbuster trade was officially announced by the teams on Wednesday, prompting a farewell letter from Towns to the state where he played for nine seasons.

"Nine years ago, I arrived in Minnesota as a young man with a dream. Little did I know that this place would become my home, and its people would become my family," Towns wrote. "Your love, support, and unwavering loyalty have fueled my journey and inspired me to be the best player I could be. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, and the entire Timberwolves organization for the countless opportunities and experiences. I'll cherish the friendships I've made and the battles we've fought together."

Towns' message was accompanied by a video that highlighted his accomplishments in Minnesota, from being drafted out of Kentucky by the Timberwolves with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2015 NBA draft, to winning Rookie of the Year in 2016 and becoming the first center to win the 3-point contest at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.

"To the incredible fans, your support has meant the world to me. It gave me strength on and off the court. I'll never forget it," Towns wrote. "You'll always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything."

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The feeling is mutual. The Timberwolves shared several graphics across social media celebrating Towns.

"Thank you for everything, 32," the Timberwolves wrote on X. "You’ll always be a part of the Wolves family."

Towns' trade comes on the heels of the Timberwolves' first Western Conference finals appearance in 20 years. They lost the series to the Dallas Mavericks in five games. In 573 regular-season games with the Timberwolves, Towns averaged 22.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks and earned four All-Star nods (2018, 2019, 2022, 2024) and two All-NBA Third Team selections (2018, 2022).