Fans reflect on Karl-Anthony Towns' nearly ten-year impact in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS — The trade of four-time NBA All Star Karl-Anthony Towns came as a surprise to many.
"I did not see this trade coming," said Travis Whitehead from Minneapolis.
But some, like Whitehead, said it's a solid move.
"Julius Randle is the perfect mentality for Anthony Edwards, (Jaden) McDaniels, they got a full team that's hungry. DiVincenzo is a great pickup, I think that that's the sleeper pick of the whole trade," said Whitehead.
"He stuck with us through thick and thin. His loyalty to us has been wonderful," said Dan Herman, founder of Falling Knife Brewing Company.
Whether it's his KAT t-shirt, or his Timberwolves wrestling championship belt, it's clear Herman supports his team.
His brewery brought in some big crowds to watch the Timberwolves during this year's run to the Western Conference Finals.
"Without question, he's the second greatest Timberwolf of all time," said Herman.
"He spent a number of years here and you can't say that a whole lot in sports," said longtime fan Greg Overpeck. "A little bit sad that we lose somebody that really really wanted to invest into the community."
Fans said Towns will be remembered for his greatness on and off the court. In May, Towns was the recipient of the NBA's social justice award for his efforts to help restore voting rights for formerly incarcerated felons.
"Players coming and going is just part of the game," said Overpeck. "You realize that times change, and to construct a team, you might have to move some different pieces around."
People like Herman said they are grateful that Minnesota had someone like KAT for as long as they did.
"Thank you KAT, thank you for what you did. It's made the most fun team that we've ever had," said Herman.