GREENBURGH, NY – Just minutes after big star Karl-Anthony Towns was photographed stepping out of a sport utility vehicle and entering the Knicks' practice facility on Monday wearing a matching Knicks cap, his future son and his teammates were cautious about his upcoming move to the club.

“Who is Karl? I have no idea who that is,” guard Jalen Brunson said while speaking to reporters during the team’s annual media day.

Knicks winger Josh Hart followed a few minutes later and asked, “We have KAT? Wow,” after a reporter asked for his opinion on the reported trade, which is expected to be completed early this week, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.

The trade isn't official yet, so it wasn't surprising that members of the team were initially hesitant to comment on the upcoming blockbuster with the Timberwolves – one set to land the four-time All-Star to the Knick, and two-time All-Star. NBA forwards Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are on their way to Minnesota.

But the ordeal provided some humorous moments.

Writers, eager to make Brunson think, looked for creative ways to get him to talk openly about what the Towns move could mean for the Knicks. One asked Brunson to describe what it was like for him in Dallas, sharing the court with Kristaps Porzingis, a down-to-earth, pick-and-pop big like Towns.

“Uh, it's obviously a different dynamic. It gives us another weapon,” Brunson said with a smile. “The readings (of the point guard) are definitely different. You still have to see how the defense reacts to different situations. But yes: there is a difference. And we will cross that bridge when we get there.”

The upcoming deal is rare in several ways. It's unusual for two All-Stars in their prime to be traded for another, let alone both teams being title contenders. Minnesota reached the Western Conference finals. And the Knicks, coming off their first 50-win regular season in a decade, had already made a huge trade earlier in the offseason when they dealt five first-round picks to Brooklyn for winger Mikal Bridges.

New York was forced to strengthen its center position after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to Oklahoma City in free agency and after realizing that Mitchell Robinson would likely miss the first few months of this season as he continues to rely on one Ankle surgery recovering.

The Knicks were open about what they would lose in the deal. Randle, who averaged 25 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists last season, joined the Knicks in free agency in 2018 and helped lead the franchise turnaround. DiVincenzo, who ranked third in the league in 3-pointers last season, was one of the NBA's best players and had impeccable chemistry with Brunson and Hart – two of his former Villanova teammates.

“That (aspect of the deal) was definitely difficult. Julius welcomed me with open arms. That news was crazy,” Brunson said, adding that his father's string of non-guaranteed contracts during his nine-year, eight-team NBA career taught him the league is a business. “I am truly grateful for them, their friendships and everything they have contributed to the team. …And Donte, he was best man at my wedding, so that should tell you everything you need to know about our relationship. …We will see you again soon.

Minnesota and New York will face off during the preseason on October 13th at Madison Square Garden.

For now, however, the focus is on incorporating cities into the mix. Hart has already reflected on how the center would fit into the Knicks' plans and expressed his willingness to take a back seat in Minnesota to rising superstar Anthony Edwards – something that could lead to him being a better fit with Brunson fits as soon as he officially joins the squad.

“KAT is a great player – someone who will be really good at spacing, knocking down shots and blocking shots,” Hart said. “We are extremely confident in what we have, both officially and unofficially.”