Knicks have talked Karl-Anthony Towns trade with Grizzlies, Hornets, Magic

The Knicks have at least kicked the tires on a Karl-Anthony Towns trade, and it hasn’t been with just one team.

According to Steve Popper of Newsday, the Knicks have discussed Towns with the Grizzlies, Magic, and Hornets.

Popper reports that Towns’ name has been circulating quietly, but consistently, around the league. He previously surfaced in offseason conversations between New York and the Bucks centered on Giannis Antetokounmpo, and league sources now say those discussions have expanded beyond Milwaukee.

Towns is earning $53.1 million this season and does not have a no-trade clause, meaning the Knicks would not need his approval to move him.

New York acquired Towns from the Timberwolves before last season, and the move paid short-term dividends. The Knicks reached the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the Pacers in six games.

That run did not save coach Tom Thibodeau, who was fired shortly after the season. League sources have indicated Towns voiced frustration with Thibodeau during his exit meeting with owner James Dolan, and that feedback factored into the organization’s decision.

The Knicks replaced Thibodeau with Mike Brown, though sources say that relationship with Towns has not been seamless either.

New York sits at 25-18 and remains firmly in the playoff mix, but with the February 5 trade deadline approaching, Towns’ name is one to keep watching.