The facts were already predictable when the Knicks did not re-sign Randle this offseason.
Randle could have signed a four-year, $181.5 million extension on Aug. 3, but the Knicks did not extend him the offer.
And after word leaked that Mitchell Robinson would be out until at least December or January, the Knicks suddenly felt the urgency to find a starting center for a big season.
Things quickly escalated, according to The Athletic , when the Knicks also made DiVincenzo available in their trade talks with the Timberwolves.
Towns, a career 39.8 percent three-point shooter, provides the Knicks with a flexible big man who can make room for Brunson, something Randle has failed to do.
The addition of Towns has made the Knicks championship contenders. BetUS has given the Knicks the third-best odds to win the NBA title this season at +850, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers , after the sensational trade.
Only the Boston Celtics (+300) and Oklahoma City Thunder (+750) have better championship odds than them at BetUS, which is ranked as one of the best casinos in the United States by Casino Whizz .
The Knicks’ championship window opened when they traded for Mikal Bridges in July. The Randle-Towns trade gives them the best chance to match the defending champion Celtics’ five-man lineup.