Karl-Anthony Towns waited until late September to sign a supermax contract extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Towns said multiple times that there were things that had to be discussed.
“It took a lot longer than I expected, but at the end of the day it was all about getting everything perfect and the understanding was the same,” Towns said. “In talking to each other about the commitment to winning, that was the biggest thing, and having that commitment to each other.”
Towns talked about his leadership role despite being just 22 years old still.
“I have more experience, I’m older, I’ve been in the league longer, I have a little more dog years on me,” Towns said. “It’s not the money. The money doesn’t make me a leader. It’s the everyday grind I show to my teammates that earns me that respect to make my voice heard.”
The relationship between Towns and Tom Thibodeau has been a point of discussion.
“Me and Thibs may not see eye-to-eye every day, but the one thing I know is we have tremendous respect for each other,” Towns said. “Regardless of what happens, that respect is there. I know when I look in Thibs’ eyes and he looks in mine, we both have the same goal and that’s to win. Me and Thibs have a good understanding what we’re looking for out of each other.”
