The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in trading Giannis Antetokounmpo. If that trade happens, it’s likely Karl-Anthony Towns would be part of the deal due to his comparable max contract, though technically the Knicks could trade Giannis without involving Towns—but that would significantly weaken New York’s wing depth. The underlying reason behind the Knicks’ long pursuit of the two-time MVP from Milwaukee is that they probably see Towns going the other way or being moved to balance finances. Simply put, acquiring Giannis almost certainly means letting go of Towns.
However, on Monday evening, reporter Mark Stein revealed an intriguing possibility: some rival teams believe Towns might be traded separately from Giannis. Stein mentioned Jrue Holiday as a potential Knicks target, citing that Holiday’s defensive skills would complement Jalen Brunson well and could also make the team more appealing to Giannis if he were to join New York.
So, why would the Knicks consider parting ways with Towns? The situation is complex. Regardless of Giannis, trading Towns makes some sense. The Knicks’ main weakness is their top players’ defensive shortcomings. Brunson is a cornerstone for New York and untouchable, but Towns lacks a strong foothold in the team’s culture, having been with the Knicks for just a season and a half. Reports indicate that last season, the Knicks locker room was frustrated by Towns’ defensive lapses, particularly his habit of getting out of position without explanation.
Interestingly, data suggests Brunson struggles more defensively than Towns. This season, lineups featuring both Brunson and Towns rank poorly in defensive efficiency. Meanwhile, Towns’ lineups without Brunson perform significantly better defensively, a trend also seen last season and the playoffs. Though data samples are limited, Towns appears less of a defensive liability than Brunson.
Still, Brunson is a vital offensive player and a fan favorite. When New York acquired Towns in September 2024, they accepted his defensive weaknesses in exchange for elite shooting from the center position, a rarity in the NBA. The hope was average defense coupled with strong offense. Unfortunately, Towns hasn’t shot as well as expected since the trade, potentially due to a thumb injury last year. His shooting percentages dipped, and his current scoring average is the second-lowest of his career. The combination of Towns and Brunson yields solid offense but not enough to offset their defensive issues.
If New York’s strategy of building around strong offense and average defense fails, trading Towns could flip that script. While Brunson’s defense has flaws, adding defensive specialists like Holiday and Mitchell Robinson could strengthen the team’s defense without sacrificing much offense. Losing Towns would come at a cost, but the Knicks still have Brunson and excel in offensive rebounding—a vital component. This approach mirrors the team’s second half of 2023-24 season, when they performed well offensively despite injuries and roster challenges.
When it comes to finding a market for Towns, challenges arise. If Milwaukee shows real interest in Towns, the Knicks might hold onto him while preparing to trade Giannis. But since the Bucks likely aim to rebuild, owning a 30-year-old center with a supermax deal isn’t ideal for them. Trading Towns alone could either mean liquidating an asset Milwaukee won’t take for Giannis or restructuring the Knicks if Giannis goes elsewhere.
The market for max-contract stars like Towns is tough. Players like Trae Young or Ja Morant fetched limited or complicated returns, and even Anthony Davis, when healthy, didn’t command massive haul. Towns, though younger and more durable than Davis, isn’t a rim protector, which makes building solid defense around him hard. Minnesota tried using him at power forward alongside Rudy Gobert, but it reduced his shooting impact compared to playing center.
Towns’ contract further complicates matters. He’s among the top ten highest-paid players, with two more years and a hefty team option. Given salary cap pressures, teams hesitate to add large salaries. Minnesota traded him partly due to this, and Atlanta was reluctant to overspend on Young. For New York, even with strong defenders like OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Robinson, winning a championship with Towns seems unlikely, raising questions about his value to less talent-rich teams.
This is the worst possible time to trade an aging, costly, imperfect veteran like Towns—much like Giannis, who, despite being elite, isn’t drawing a bidding war because of age and style of play. Towns probably sits between these extremes but remains unique enough to intrigue some teams.
Potential landing spots include the Portland Trail Blazers, who have assets like Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant, and could use Towns’ shooting to boost their offense. Portland’s defensive framework could help mask Towns’ weaknesses. Yet, this might conflict with Portland’s current defensive identity, raising questions about roster fit and draft pick compensation.
Another option is the Chicago Bulls, aiming to build a roster reminiscent of Indiana’s strong defense and offense combo. They have multiple first-round picks and expiring contracts to balance salaries, making them a feasible trade partner. However, a third team might be needed to provide the Knicks with additional veterans or salary relief.
The New Orleans Pelicans could also be considered, though they seem committed to their current core including Zion Williamson. It’s possible the Knicks could be involved in a three-team deal to bring in defensive stalwart Herb Jones or other assets, but that remains speculative.
Will the Knicks actually trade Towns? Probably not soon. The Knicks prefer secrecy in their moves; prior trades were never leaked beforehand. This chatter seems more like wild speculation from rivals. Rebuilding midseason without Giannis would be drastic, and the team’s window to compete appears immediate. Holiday is 35, and New York’s core isn’t young—this suggests urgency to contend now rather than gamble on lengthy rebuilds. Unless an extraordinary offer surfaces, the Knicks are likely to tinker on the edges, play out the season, and attempt to acquire Giannis during the summer. If that fails, they’ll explore other options with a full offseason to plan.
New York has made progress with Towns in their lineup, but they also know his defensive limitations well. Even if they believe Towns isn’t a championship piece, the risk of trading him without adding elite talent is substantial.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for basketball fans because it highlights the high-stakes juggling act teams must perform between talent, salary, and fit—especially for big-name players with big contracts like Towns. How the Knicks manage these moves could reshape the NBA’s balance of power, signaling shifts in how teams build around defense versus offense in the modern game.
