The New York Knicks have held preliminary trade discussions involving center Karl-Anthony Towns with the Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic, according to Newsday’s Steve Popper.
League sources told Popper that Towns’ name has circulated quietly but consistently in recent weeks. New York previously mentioned the three-time All-Star in offseason talks with the Milwaukee Bucks while gauging interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo, and those conversations have since expanded to additional teams.
Towns, 29, is earning $53.1 million this season and lacks a no-trade clause, so club approval is not required for any move. The Knicks acquired him from the Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, a deal that helped propel the franchise to the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, where they fell to the Indiana Pacers in six games.
The playoff run did not spare head coach Tom Thibodeau, who was dismissed shortly after the season. Multiple sources indicated Towns expressed frustration with Thibodeau during his exit interview with owner James Dolan, feedback that factored into the coaching change. New York hired Mike Brown to replace Thibodeau, though reports describe Towns’ relationship with the new coach as uneven.
Entering play at 25-18, the Knicks remain firmly in the postseason picture. With the NBA trade deadline set for Feb. 5, executives around the league are monitoring whether New York will move one of its highest-paid players.
Source: Hoops Wire
