[Trending News] Karl-Anthony Towns Opens Up on Mental Relief in NY as Family Issues in Minnesota Emerge

During his Kentucky Wildcats era, Karl-Anthony Towns never went around with an air of entitlement. Despite being the tallest and most lethal sharpshooter, the New Jersey native kept it humble. His only dream? To walk on LeBron James’ path, simply put, to become the next big name in the NBA. Well, KAT’s dreams came true in 2015. He became the first overall draft pick; his new home? The Minnesota Timberwolves. But right before the start of his ninth season, in a mindblowing move, Towns found himself traded to the New York Knicks.

Did the transfer, just a few days before the 2024-25 season began, surprise Towns? Yes and no. There was a kind of sadness for letting go of the franchise that was his home for so long. But there was also the excitement of becoming a Knickerbocker. Yet another check on his bucketlist. However, the difference he noticed as a player of two franchises was huge. Therefore, Karl-Anthony Towns throws light on the odd relief he’s been feeling in NYC since his arrival.

Speaking on The Backyard Podcast with the Brooklyn Nets star D’Angelo Russell, the 29-year-old center shared about the contrast in the crowd. So, how is Karl-Anthony Towns enjoying the big city? “It’s good, it’s crazy, cuz you know, for me, I grew up here,” KAT informed. “It was just different, a lot of family. I was used to always having nobody. I’m trying to say is, in Minnesota, it was always like nobody came to the games and now everybody comes to the games. So it’s kinda of- love that.” 

Maybe, the 5x All-Star center isn’t yet used to performing for such large audiences. In Minnesota, the noise and the crowd were minimal, but in New York, the crowd was rooting for him. His family now sits courtside for him more often in the ‘big city.’ But Towns sure seems destined for the Knicks.

In 2015, before the draft, Kentucky’s HC John Calipari told ESPN: “Towns is a better defender, rebounder, and foul shooter, and is a bit more versatile now. He’s personable, has a great interview, plays with passion, and has a more outgoing personality than most big kids do. You can put him on the Knicks and he’s an NBA All-Star.” Well, his first 8 years in Minnesota were nothing less than a wonder. However, it sometimes feels like he is finally unlocking his true potential here in NYC.

Meanwhile, another curious question popped into D’Lo’s mind while talking to Karl-Anthony Towns. He wanted to know about KAT’s Minnesota property. What is its status and did he build it or renovate it? Russell wanted to know everything about it.

Karl-Anthony Towns gives insights on his million-dollar property in Minnesota

Karl-Anthony Towns and Minnesota made a match in basketball heaven. After all, the 5x All-Star spent a major part of his NBA career with the Timberwolves. So, it’s no shocker he has rooted himself in the city. In 2018, Towns inked a jaw-dropping five-year, $190 million deal. And with that kind of cash, why not treat yourself? He did just that—dropping $4.52 million on a stunning Medina lake house. Because, well, why not live like a king?

So, D’Lo stated: “I don’t know if you still got it or you probably don’t go there at all. But I’m saying, we want to pull up on you.” And KAT informed the Nets star that he’ll be done this summer, renovation and everything. Meanwhile, Russell came up a with follow-up question. He asked: “You built the house or you renovated it? Ain’t no better feeling than being involved in every little detail.” And Karl-Anthony Towns responded: “You know Minnesota was… it just came like that. It was already furnished. We went ground up. So it was pretty cool.”

Well, Karl-Anthony Towns’ journey from Minnesota to New York is nothing short of a rollercoaster. From humble beginnings at Kentucky to becoming the face of the Timberwolves, he’s now stepping into a new spotlight with the Knicks. The bright lights of the big city bring bigger crowds, louder cheers, and a fresh chapter. Yet, even as he embraces New York, his ties to Minnesota remain—lake house and all. One thing’s clear—whether he wears a Wolves jersey or Knicks blue and orange, KAT shines bright.