Knicks’ trade talks on Karl-Anthony Towns more than just idle curiosity

The Knicks may not be actively shopping Karl-Anthony Towns, but his name is clearly out there.

According to Steve Popper of Newsday, the Knicks have at least discussed Towns with the Grizzlies, Magic, and Hornets. That alone tells you this is more than idle curiosity.

Towns’ name first surfaced last summer when New York and the Bucks explored a Giannis Antetokounmpo framework. Nothing came of it, but Towns being central to those talks mattered.

Players who are truly untouchable do not show up in those conversations.

The Knicks acquired Towns from Minnesota before last season and rode him to the 2025 Eastern Conference finals. Shortly after, Tom Thibodeau was fired. Multiple sources have indicated Towns’ dissatisfaction with Thibodeau played a role, echoing their rocky history with the Timberwolves.

Now comes the wrinkle. New coach Mike Brown also does not have a clean history with Towns, according to league sources. That does not mean a trade is inevitable. It does suggest the Knicks are doing what competent front offices do. They are gathering information.

Towns is owed $53.1 million this season and does not have a no-trade clause. If New York were fully committed long-term, his name would not keep circulating.

That does not mean he is gone by February 5. It does mean the Knicks want to know what life would look like if he were.