Throughout the summer, we praised the Wolves' desire for continuity and suddenly, a few days before the start of “training camp”, management agreed to part ways with Karl-Anthony Towns, “franchise player” since 2014, to get Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo back.
A rather balanced deal on paper but the time has come for surprise, even shock on the side of Minneapolis, while the finalists of the Western Conference thought they were leaving with the same group.
“It’s a big surprise” recognizes Rudy Goberthis face serious. “It’s not the kind of thing you expect before a training camp.” I'm still digesting. I have a lot of respect for him. We spent two years together and I am very grateful for the time we had together. As soon as I arrived here, from the first day, he welcomed me. He did everything he could to help me give my best, on and off the field. »
Anthony Edwards loses “a brother”
Same shock for Anthony Edwards, new leader of the team. “KAT” had taken his young teammate under his wing, and the Olympic champion seemed very affected. “Everyone knows KAT is like my brother, so it hurt me. It's kind of strange to talk about it when he just got traded…He's my friend. We weren't each on our own, we were one. We played for each other. I'm happy that the leaders are projecting themselves onto me, but he and I were always together, so it's difficult. »
What does Mike Conley, more experienced and used to seeing teammates leave, or even being transferred, think about it?
“First, there is what he represents for the city and for our team, because he is a very special person. Him and his family for that matter, and it hurts. But we understand the reasoning. We are aware of what we get back with Julius and Donte and what they bring, and we have to measure these emotions. But in the end, we have to move forward with the assets we have received, and we are very optimistic about what we will be able to do. »
