Revisiting the KAT and Randle Trade

The New York Knicks, on the brink of playoff elimination, are currently having the most successful season they have had since 2000. They are coming off 51 regular season wins and some very mentally tough playoff wins against the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics, the defending NBA champions. NBA fans have got their first looks at KAT during the playoffs with the Knicks averaging 21.3 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 60.3% true shooting. Right now, being down 3-1 to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks have some questions to answer in terms of remaining as a legitimate contender and then actually winning the championship. Throughout the regular season the Knicks were 0-10 against the top teams (Boston, Cleveland, Oklahoma City), their bench unit has looked last lucker, and their coaching decisions have raised some eyebrows. Tom Thibodeau distributing excessive minutes to his players, his inefficient lineup rotations, and misuse of the newly acquired KAT could lead to himself on the hot seat without some major changes. The Knicks chances of getting into the finals this season are looking steep but still alive. 

On the other hand, the Minnesota Timberwolves, have been eliminated from their own Western Conference Battle against the OKC Thunder in 5 games. The Timberwolves won 49 games this year. Likewise to the Knicks, they battled through as underdogs, knocking off the Lakers who were expected to win the series and then knocking off the Warriors with gritty performances. Anthony Edwards still looks great but is unable again to reach the finals. Many fans were unsure what to expect from Minnesota after acquiring Julius Randle. They ended up essentially in the same spot as last year, but you can’t knock Randle who put up 21.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 62.2% true shooting. With back to back conference finals appearances for the team and a 23 year old superstar, the expectation for the Wolves is to win the West and compete for a championship. 

“Now that the NBA year has marinated, do you feel like there was a winner in this blockbuster trade between the Knicks and Timberwolves?” I asked my NBA fanatic friend, Hani. 

“Nah, not really to be honest. Maybe the Knicks because I think KAT is better than Randle but they both ended up in the same spot this year. Let’s see who wins the Finals first.”