The Knicks grew to become the true heart of the basketball world Friday night time.
In what was a surprising transfer, the group acquired Karl-Anthony Cities from the Timberwolves in a deal sending Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round draft choose by way of Detroit to Minnesota.
Not unsurprisingly, Knicks followers on social media had loads to say amid the stunning information.
Some have been saddened by the breakup of the Villanova Knicks, which embrace DiVincenzo, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges.
“We didn’t even see 1 minute of the Nova Knicks,” wrote on fan on X with a tragic GIF from the present “The Boys.”
“I’m devastated,” wrote Knicks Muse.
“THE KNICKS DID WHAT,” wrote author Shea Serrano.
Ryen Rusillo, a podcast host at The Ringer, lauded the Knicks for making the transfer.
“Expertise in vs. expertise out, it’s a win for NY,” he wrote. “I’m not the largest KAT fan however he’s a greater match along with his spacing and accepting his position to maintain issues open for Brunson than the ball stopping we would have seen w/ Randle. KAT has higher well being observe report and matches a necessity in the event that they play him on the 5.”
One NBA fan, nonetheless, appeared to assume the Knicks have been on the shedding finish of the deal.
“The Knicks simply obtained fleeced,” they wrote on X.
John Jastremski, a New York sports activities persona at SNY and The Ringer, had blended emotions in regards to the deal however general felt it was optimistic.
“Holy s–t,” he wrote. This commerce blew my thoughts… Cities as an alternative of Randle could be very preferable. Hate shedding Donte, however after the previous few years how do you not belief this regime?”
It’s been a busy offseason with a number of turnover for the Knicks, who’ve now seen key items in Randle, DiVincenzo (Minnesota) and Isaiah Hartenstein (Oklahoma Metropolis) depart.
However the additions of Bridges from the Nets and Cities from Minnesota have infused some expertise right into a group that was one win away from the Jap Convention Finals final season.