The New York Knicks have quietly explored trade scenarios involving center Karl-Anthony Towns, speaking with the Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets, according to Newsday’s Steve Popper.
Towns’ name has surfaced in New York’s internal discussions since last summer, when the Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks examined a potential package for Giannis Antetokounmpo that would have featured the three-time All-Star. While no deal materialized, the inclusion of Towns suggested the club did not view him as untouchable.
New York acquired the 7-footer from the Minnesota Timberwolves before the 2024-25 campaign and reached the 2025 Eastern Conference finals with him anchoring the frontcourt. Shortly afterward, head coach Tom Thibodeau was dismissed. Multiple league sources told Newsday that Towns’ dissatisfaction with Thibodeau, mirroring their uneasy history in Minnesota, contributed to the coaching change.
The Knicks hired Mike Brown to replace Thibodeau, yet league sources note Brown also has a complicated past with Towns. That history has prompted the front office to gather information on what a future without the 28-year-old might look like, even though no deal is imminent.
Towns is owed $53.1 million for the 2025-26 season and does not possess a no-trade clause, leaving New York with flexibility ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Conversations to date indicate the organization is assessing its options rather than actively shopping the former No. 1 overall pick.
For now, the Knicks are expected to continue monitoring interest around the league while weighing whether to keep Towns as a long-term cornerstone or pursue a different roster direction.
Source: Hoops Wire
