Knicks Eyeing Karl-Anthony Towns: A Potential Blockbuster Trade
This offseason presents a prime opportunity for the New York Knicks to aggressively pursue a star player. One name that has emerged is Karl-Anthony Towns, the four-time NBA All-Star forward from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Knicks have had a long-standing interest in Towns, though they haven’t engaged in serious trade talks yet. Towns’ connection to the Knicks is amplified by his former agent, Leon Rose, currently serving as the Knicks’ team president. As a client of Creative Artists Agency, Towns might be up for grabs depending on the outcome of the ownership struggle between Glen Taylor and the duo of Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore.
The Ownership Tug-of-War and Its Implications
The speculation around Towns intensified following an April 10 report by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Wojnarowski detailed how Rodriguez and Lore’s budget plans, shared with Taylor, the NBA, and The Carlyle Group, involved reducing the Timberwolves’ payroll. Their projection aimed to bring the payroll down to $171 million for the next season, just below the projected $172 million luxury tax threshold. This shift would convert the Timberwolves from a luxury tax-paying team to one receiving tax distribution, a significant financial pivot.
While the report didn’t specify which players might be on the chopping block, Katz pointed out that trading Towns would be the easiest way for Minnesota to cut costs. Towns’ salary is set to escalate from $36 million in 2023-24 to $49.4 million the following season, making him a prime candidate for a trade if the new owners seek to manage expenses.
Financial Maneuvering and Strategic Timing
Rodriguez and Lore have recently bolstered their financial clout by bringing in billionaire Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg’s involvement raises the question of whether he might assist the Knicks again, as he did back in 2013.
Katz argues that the NBA Draft, specifically the first round on June 26 and the second round the next night, is the optimal time for the Timberwolves to trade Towns. This timing would precede the activation of his hefty contract extension, making it a strategic move to alleviate financial pressure.
The Knicks’ Potential Trade Moves
If the Knicks were to acquire Towns, it would likely mean the end of Mitchell Robinson’s time in New York. Towns, as Katz notes, could pair well with Isaiah Hartenstein, whom the Knicks are keen to re-sign. Towns’ versatility allows him to play both power forward and center, though his playing style might clash with Robinson’s, who tends to occupy the paint.
“He may not fare as well next to Mitchell Robinson, who clogs the paint, taking up the space Towns would need to post up. Towns may roast defenses on the perimeter, but he’s one of the best back-to-the-basket bigs in existence. You don’t want to take away his versatility,” Katz elaborates.
An Eastern Conference general manager indicated to Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney that the Knicks would likely pursue Towns if he becomes available. The Timberwolves, facing financial constraints, might look to trade Towns to maintain competitiveness in the Western Conference while reducing their luxury tax burden. Potential trade pieces could include Bojan Bogdanovic’s expiring contract, Julius Randle, and draft picks.
Conclusion
As the offseason progresses, the Knicks remain poised to make a significant move for Karl-Anthony Towns. The potential trade hinges on the Timberwolves’ ownership dynamics and financial strategies, with the Knicks ready to capitalize on any opportunity to bring the All-Star forward to New York.
