KAT unsure how T-Wolves fans will respond to Minneapolis return

Karl-Anthony Towns will make his long-awaited return to Target Center on Thursday when his New York Knicks face the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first time since his move to the Big Apple.

Ahead of the matchup, Towns admitted he's not sure what kind of reception he'll receive from the crowd in Minneapolis.

"I don't know. But I know that every single day that I put on that Timberwolves jersey I gave the absolute best of me even when I wasn't 100%," Towns said, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. "I gave them all of me mentally, physically, spiritually. I was there nine years, so I go there with a lot of pride and joy for the memories that I have."

Towns, who Minnesota drafted first overall in 2015, was traded to the Knicks in October as part of a three-team deal that included the Charlotte Hornets. He left the Timberwolves as the franchise's career leader in 3-pointers made and ranks second in points, rebounds, and blocks behind Kevin Garnett.

"I know the last time I was there, I looked myself in the mirror, and I knew I gave the state, the city, the organization over there everything I could possibly give and even found myself giving more than I thought I had," Towns said.

"I was proud of the man that I presented over there in a Timberwolves jersey. You never know how the fans will respond. But I know for me, my household, I know what I gave that organization, and I am happy and proud for what I was able to do."

The 29-year-old is averaging 24.8 points and an NBA-best 13.9 rebounds through 24 games this season.