On June 25, 2015, the Minnesota Timberwolves made a significant move by selecting Karl-Anthony Towns as the first overall pick in the NBA draft. He enjoyed a noteworthy stint with the Timberwolves prior to his transition to the New York Knicks on October 2, 2024. Interestingly, Towns was also presented with the opportunity to join the Los Angeles Lakers during the draft, but he ultimately decided to turn them down.
Veteran Basketball coach John Calipari recently made an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, where he provided some fascinating insights about the NBA. During the interview, he shared an intriguing story about Towns and his decision-making process leading up to the NBA Draft. Calipari revealed that Towns had the opportunity to join the Lakers but ultimately chose to pursue the coveted No. 1 overall pick instead.
“The Lakers wanted him at #2 overall. I said ‘You may wanna be the #2 pick and be in LA. KAT said ‘Nah, I will wear a coat. I wanna be the #1 pick’. And he enjoyed his time in Minnesota,” Calipari said.
John Calipari on KAT getting drafted:
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) June 21, 2025
"The Lakers wanted him at #2 overall. I said 'You may wanna be the #2 pick and be in LA. KAT said 'Nah, I will wear a coat. I wanna be the #1 pick'. And he enjoyed his time in Minnesota"
h/t @NBA_NewYork pic.twitter.com/clqwsDbyrn
Calipari revealed his efforts to convince Towns to consider a move to Los Angeles. However, Towns remained steadfast in his desire to be the No. 1 selection in the NBA Draft.
Karl-Anthony Towns Included In Eye-Catching Knicks Trade Projection
The Knicks delivered a standout performance throughout the 2024-25 NBA season, showcasing their talent and determination. Unfortunately, they fell short against the Indiana Pacers in the conference finals, a significant hurdle in their quest for glory. In light of this setback, the Knicks are actively exploring options to revamp their roster. Athletic insider James Edwards III provided intriguing insights into the Knicks’ strategic plans for the offseason.
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“Maybe New York wants to prioritise depth this offseason, and Anunoby could be flipped for a few pieces. That’s where I’m at with Towns, as well. Anunoby and Towns are very good players, but both guys have lengthy deals — and have dealt with injuries throughout their careers. If you told me New York might try to get off of one of those, I wouldn’t be totally surprised,” Edwards wrote.
Towns had an impressive season, averaging 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over 72 games.
Also Read: Kyrie Irving Comes To Karl-Anthony Towns’ Defense In Fiery Message To Critics
