Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have struggled for consistency this season. Mike Brown’s new-look offense is taking time to gel, and Karl-Anthony Towns’ impact has been under significant scrutiny as a result.
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Dan Favale proposed a three-team trade that could give New York the jolt it needs. However, that trade would mean parting with Towns.
The proposed deal looks like this:
New York Knicks Get: Wendell Carter Jr., Haywood Highsmith, Jalen Suggs
Orlando Magic Get: Karl-Anthony Towns and Day’Ron Sharpe
Brooklyn Nets Get: Jonathan Isaac, Jett Howard, a 2026 first-round pick from the Wizards (top-8 protected), a 2028 second-round pick (least favorable of Phoenix and Indiana), a 2030 second-round pick (most favorable between Orlando and New Orleans) and a 2031 first-round pick swap
“Suggs is a defensive sicko (in a good way). The degree to which he can protect Jalen Brunson and lighten the responsibilities of Deuce McBride, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges is extreme enough for New York to overlook his career 32.9 percent clip from deep, as well as his injury history,” Favale reasoned. “…This return looks even better if Highsmith, a solid three-and-D wing, ever returns from right knee surgery. If he doesn’t, New York is shaving $1.7 million off its payroll and might be able to work the buyout market should someone making less than the mid-level exception shake loose.”
Losing Towns would be a significant blow. However, if Favale’s trade proposal ensured New York made the NBA finals, the front office would likely sign off. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in the NBA.
Knicks “Have Not Engaged” In Trade Talks For Towns
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Knicks do not have any interest in dealing Towns ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
“According to league and team sources, the Knicks have not engaged in any discussions about a possible Towns trade this season and plan on persevering with him during this challenging time,” Amick wrote. “That intel is consistent with what [James] Dolan said in his interview, when he insisted that ‘This group can win a championship; I believe that.’”
Towns is one of the best offensive big men in the NBA. Unless the Knicks believe that his presence is counterproductive to winning basketball, it’s unlikely the look to move him, especially mid-season.
Another Report Backs Up Amick’s Reporting
SNY’s Ian Begley has also reported that New York is not interested in parting with Towns.
“So, I checked around on this Monday, and everything that I gathered was that the Knicks are not having conversations about trading Karl-Anthony Towns,” Begley said via The Putback. “As of Monday, it was not happening. So, as far as something in the aftermath of that Dallas loss, no, that wasn’t the case.”
Of course, (almost) every player has their price.
However, considering how much the Knicks gave up to bring Towns to New York, it is unlikely any team will be willing to meet the Knicks’ valuation. As such, both Towns and Brown need to work together and figure out how to make the partnership work.
Because when he’s firing on all cylinders, Towns is absolutely the type of difference-maker you need deep into the postseason.
Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat for Heavy. He holds bylines for CelticsBlog, USA Today and Yardbarker. Adam also covers the WWE and AEW. He has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor
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