Goodbyes are always complicated. So, it is understandable why it took Karl-Anthony Towns a couple of days to process that his nine-year journey with the Timberwolves was finally over. Especially because the franchise did not give the center, a heads-up that he might get traded. But KAT finally broke his silence about the shocking move with a heartfelt tribute to the place he has called home his entire career. And his girlfriend, Jordyn Woods, was filled with pride as the center poured his heart out.
In his latest Instagram post, Towns shared a highlight reel of his amazing journey in Minnesota. Be it getting drafted first overall nine years ago or leading the Wolves to their second-ever conference finals this year, KAT surely had an unforgettable stay there.
Filled with gratitude upon his departure, he wrote “To the Timberwolves Family: Nine years ago, I arrived in Minnesota as a young man with a dream. Little did I know that this place would become my home, and its people would become my family. Your love, support, and unwavering loyalty have fueled my journey and inspired me to be the best player I could be.”
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While KAT penned all his thoughts on social media and thanked everyone, he met along the way. His girlfriend Jordyn had a wholesome reaction to his message, “I’m so proud of you. You already know I have so much to say but I’m going to keep it short. Most loyal and deserving person I know even when life throws you obstacles. You never meet people where they’re at, you over extended your arm always. I love you and this is the just the beginning. 🤞️”
Moreover, she even supported Towns by sharing an AI-generated image of the center wearing the Knicks uniform soon after they announced the trade. But while KAT bid farewell to Minnesota with an emotional message, the Wolves did not reciprocate the gesture. At least not to the extent fans wanted!
Reading Towns’ emotional message, you would think that the Wolves would do something similar in response to honor the nine years he dedicated to the franchise. However, they bid farewell to their once franchise player, by posting merely an edited image of KAT over the years. “Thank you for everything, 32. ” the caption read.
As the Timberwolves earlier shocked fans by getting KAT traded out of nowhere, the underwhelming tribute from the franchise surely infuriated them. Comments like “What a horrible post” and “Most loyal guy to our franchise and this is it?” began flooding in.
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As Towns gave the prime years of his career to the T-wolves, most fans believed he deserved more than an edited image and a one-line farewell message. “Highlight reel, post from the owners, and coach. Don’t do the minimum for a guy who gave this franchise everything.” A netizen shared their thoughts on how the franchise could have absolutely honored KAT’s legacy.
Moreover, some fans were even furious at the Wolves for trading the superstar without his knowledge, “That’s disgusting and disrespectful asf. After all bro done for this team, this how y’all treat him? No wonder y’all ain’t winning no ring. Ant gonna dip in like 2 seasons anyways.” Yes, questioning the team’s loyalty, the netizen predicted they would eventually lose Ant-Man, who took over the Wolves’ franchise player role from KAT.
Well, the Wolves will have a chance to mitigate the furious fans once the season begins as they could pay a dedicated tribute to KAT whenever he returns for a match against his former team. And one fan even has high expectations from the Wolves to acknowledge Towns’ contribution, “32 in the rafters… only right.”
Although Towns did not lead the team to a title, he played a massive role in turning them into legitimate contenders. Do you think his name and number will hang in the rafters someday?