League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Karl-Anthony Towns wins NBA Championship, altering view on Jimmy Butler's past remarks

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 14, 2026, 5:17 AM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

Karl-Anthony Towns wins NBA Championship, altering view on Jimmy Butler's past remarks

Summary

Karl-Anthony Towns secured an NBA Championship with the New York Knicks, marking the franchise's first title in 53 years. This victory is juxtaposed with Jimmy Butler's earlier criticism of Towns as 'soft' during a tumultuous period in the Minnesota Timberwolves' history. The 2018 comments highlighted Butler's frustrations with younger players and have taken on new meaning following Towns’ success. Butler, who remains title-less despite multiple Finals appearances, is now seen in a different light due to the contrasting trajectories of his former teammates. This championship win for Towns shifts the narrative around Butler's former assessment.

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By the Numbers

•Karl-Anthony Towns won the 2026 NBA Championship with the Knicks.
•New York's title ends a 53-year championship drought.
•Jimmy Butler previously called Towns 'soft' during Timberwolves' fallout.
•Butler remains without an NBA Championship despite two Finals appearances.
•Wiggins also won a title with the Warriors in 2022.

Latest Updates

5:17 AMYahoo Sports — Jimmy Butler’s 2018 ‘soft’ insult on Karl-Anthony Towns looks awful after Knicks star won NBA Championship

What they're saying

"
Jimmy Butler’s old criticism of Karl-Anthony Towns looks very different now that Towns has won the NBA championship Butler is still chasing. The comment came from the messy 2018 Minnesota Timberwolves breakup, when Butler reportedly ripped Towns and Andrew Wiggins during a practice after requesting a trade.
— Yahoo Sports

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