Following the blockbuster trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle and Keita Bates-Diop, an NBA executive believes the Minnesota Timberwolves have taken a “competitive step backwards.”

“They have taken a significant step backwards,” one NBA executive told Sportskeeda’s Mark Medina. “Julius (Randle) is a really good offensive player, but he doesn’t necessarily play a good game and spread the field like KAT.”

Last season, Towns averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 41.6 percent from distance. The 2022 three-point champion has a career three-point shooting percentage of 39.8.

KAT's dual threat with his shooting ability and 7'0″ height was a perfect fit in Minnesota. In contrast, Randle's inconsistency from beyond the arc, with a career average of 33.3 percent, makes him much easier to contend with defensively.

“I think they will find it difficult to have Ant (Anthony Edwards) and Julius on the floor together,” the executive continued Medina. “Ant has to play in space. But if Julius and Rudy (Gobert) are on the floor together, there will be no room.”

Randle's inability to draw double teams will limit Edwards' style of play and significantly impact his scoring opportunities.

Minnesota needs to resolve its issues before the season begins on October 22 against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.