Are the Knicks Willing to Give Up on All-Star Big?
With uncertainty surrounding the New York Knicks' direction, reports have emerged suggesting the franchise may explore trading Karl-Anthony Towns. On the surface, the idea appears puzzling, as New York lacks proven frontcourt depth and would be moving a multi-time all-star in the middle of a season with NBA Finals aspirations. During the offseason, Towns’ name was frequently linked to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, though no deal materialized, keeping the former first overall pick in the Big Apple. Now, with the Knicks failing to meet lofty preseason expectations, trade speculation has resurfaced involving teams such as the Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets, organizations searching for a franchise big man to anchor their long-term plans.
Through 40 games this season, Towns is averaging 21 points, 11.6 rebounds, and three assists per game. While those numbers remain strong, his efficiency has dipped, as he is shooting 46.7% from the field and 35.8% from beyond the arc, both below his career norms. A three-time All-NBA Third Team selection, Towns currently ranks second in the NBA in rebounding average. The New Jersey native is now in his second season with the Knicks following a trade that brought him from the Minnesota Timberwolves. While Towns was excellent during his first year in New York, his play this season has hovered closer to “good” than “great.” With the Knicks sitting at 25-18 through their first 43 games, it has prompted a difficult question: Is Towns a championship-level second option for a true contender?
The most intriguing scenario continues to involve Antetokounmpo, a nine-time All-Star, two-time NBA MVP Award winner, nine-time All-NBA selection, and NBA Champion. Milwaukee’s season has unraveled, and if the standings held today, the Bucks would be on the outside of the NBA Playoffs picture. Any deal for Antetokounmpo would require far more than Towns, likely involving either Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby, a young developmental player, and significant draft compensation. Elsewhere, Orlando would almost certainly demand Jalen Suggs in a Towns deal, but with New York’s crowded backcourt and the Magic competing directly with the Knicks for Eastern Conference positioning, that path appears unlikely. Memphis presents a more intriguing option, as Jaren Jackson Jr., a former Defensive Player of the Year Award winner, could provide elite defensive versatility. Charlotte has young talent such as LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel, but it remains unclear which piece would align with head coach Charles Lee’s long-term vision while also satisfying New York’s win-now mindset.
With the NBA Trade Deadline set for February 5th, the Knicks roster could look dramatically different in a matter of weeks. Upcoming matchups against the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, and Toronto Raptors may ultimately dictate how aggressive the front office becomes. A winning stretch could quiet the Towns trade rumors, but the modern NBA has shown that no star is truly untouchable. Luka Doncic, Trae Young, and Anthony Davis were all traded within the past year, underscoring how quickly championship windows can shift. If New York believes a bold move is necessary to leapfrog the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference, moving Towns, once unthinkable, may now represent their clearest path toward a long-awaited title run.
