Celtics Rival Reportedly Makes Tall Splash In All-Star Blockbuster Trade

The Boston Celtics enter this season as the class of the NBA and particularly the Eastern Conference as reigning champions.

The New York Knicks reportedly made a move on Friday night to bolster their frontcourt, acquiring four-time All-Star center Karl Anthony Towns, per The Athletic's Shams Charania. Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo head to the Timberwolves in the deal.

The move makes some sense if the Knicks felt the need to add an impact big man to pair with No. 1 scoring option Jalen Brunson. That's become the name of the game in the Eastern Conference with a dominant big man paired with capable scoring threats on the wings or the backcourt. The Celtics operate with Kristaps Porzingis, the 76ers rely on the dominance of Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Milwaukee Bucks and Bam Adebayo is opportunistic with the Miami Heat.

The Knicks now have an elite center of their own, though Towns has miles on his body throughout his NBA career. The New Jersey native gets a new chance to drive a team to contention.

The Celtics and Knicks immediately go head-to-head to start the season at TD Garden on Oct. 22 when Boston raises Banner 18 above the parquet floor.