The New York Knicks may have some tough decisions to make this summer. Mike Brown’s team came into the season with expectations of a championship on their shoulders.
The Knicks had just fired Tom Thibodeau despite making it to the Eastern Conference Finals. As such, Brown will undoubtedly be judged on how far New York goes in the 2025 playoffs.
If the franchise falls short, New York’s front office may decide that it’s time to make a change. Karl-Anthony Towns has consistently been named as the most logical trade candidate, in part due to his four-year $220 million contract, and also because the Knicks would potentially get a haul in any trade.
With that in mind, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey has proposed a trade that would send Towns to the Dallas Mavericks. The full trade idea looks like this:
New York Knicks Get: P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, a top-five protected pick in 2030 and a top-two protected pick in 2032.
Dallas Mavericks Get: Karl-Anthony Towns
“This one will only start to feel possible if the New York Knicks quickly flame out in the playoffs,” Bailey wrote. “But if you’ve paid much attention to that team this season, you’ve likely noticed that rough patches are often accompanied by fan or online discontent with Karl-Anthony Towns.”
Bailey continued.
“…Daniel Gafford’s rim-running and finishing would make him a good pick-and-roll partner with Brunson. P.J. Washington’s length and defense would make him a nice fit in mostly positionless forward rotations with Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. And Klay Thompson can still provide some floor spacing off the bench.”
Parting ways with Towns is likely a last-case scenario for the Knicks. However, if they feel the need to retool the roster, he may be the first name to hit the trade block.
New York Knicks Urged To Trade Towns
During a recent episode of the “Club 520 Podcast,” former NBA guard Jeff Teague urged the Knicks to part ways with Towns via trade.
“KAT out of here,” Teague said. “I love that for you, KAT, yeah. Put your foot down, man. Thibs (Tom Thibodeau) should have never left. Y’all started that bulls— with Thibs.”
Towns has been a solid player for the Knicks this season. He’s averaging 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists, shooting 36.8% from deep. However, there are concerns regarding his fit within the Knicks’ new-look rotation.
Towns Could Be Victim Of Knicks Roster Shuffle
Assuming the Knicks fall short during the playoffs, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz believes Town will be the first name floated in trade discussions around the NBA.
“Anything short of a run to the NBA Finals could result in a major roster shakeup for the New York Knicks. Jalen Brunson will be safe, although Karl-Anthony Towns may not be as lucky,” Swartz wrote. “Towns hasn’t produced at the same efficiency level on offense under new head coach Mike Brown. He’s also the most expensive Knick by far, with $57 million coming next season followed by a $61 million player option in 2027-28.”
There’s a lot of pressure on the Knicks shoulders heading into the playoffs. In turn, Towns may feel that his tenure in New York is on thin ice, especially if he struggles to play at his best when the games matter most.
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