The New York Knicks have been actively reshaping their roster this offseason, making significant moves such as acquiring Mikal Bridges. However, amidst these changes, there’s persistent speculation about the team’s pursuit of a blockbuster trade.
Casey Powell, known as CP “The Fanchise” from Bleacher Report, recently stirred the rumor mill by reporting the Knicks’ keen interest in Minnesota Timberwolves’ star center, Karl-Anthony Towns. Powell’s insights, shared during a live stream on July 9, 2024, highlighted the Knicks’ strategic maneuvers to potentially secure Towns, especially following the extension of Jalen Brunson’s contract, which significantly enhanced their financial flexibility.
“I don’t think they’re done. I think there’s one more move they want to make,” Powell asserted, suggesting the Knicks are gearing up for a major acquisition. “I think there’s a big swing they want to make… They didn’t sign Julius Randle to an extension… They’re bigger fans of Karl-Anthony Towns [than Randle]. They want Towns.
Karl-Anthony Towns, a four-time NBA All-Star, is poised to begin a colossal four-year, $220 million contract with the Timberwolves, starting this upcoming season. His contract includes a player option for the final year, potentially enabling him to explore free agency by 2027.
The financial landscape shifted significantly for the Knicks with Jalen Brunson’s recent contract extension. As ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski detailed, Brunson opted for a four-year, $156.5 million extension over a larger five-year, $269 million offer in 2025. This decision, a strategic move by Brunson and his agent Sam Rose of CAA, provides the Knicks crucial financial flexibility to pursue top-tier talent like Towns.
“In a largely unprecedented financial concession to give roster flexibility to a contender, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson has agreed on a four-year, $156.5 million extension,” Wojnarowski explained in a series of tweets. “The repercussions of Brunson choosing the four-year, $156.5M max deal over the five-year, $269M deal in 2025 are massive for the Knicks’ ability to keep this team together – and keep making roster moves to close the gap on a championship.”
Powell speculated on a potential trade scenario involving Julius Randle, suggesting the Knicks could explore sending Randle to the Timberwolves in exchange for Towns. Randle, with two seasons remaining on a four-year, $117 million contract, has a player option that could see him enter free agency in 2025. To facilitate such a trade within salary cap constraints, additional players might need to be included.
The Knicks’ interest in Towns isn’t one-sided; for any deal to materialize, Minnesota would also need to consider the proposition favorably. Towns, known for his scoring prowess and perimeter shooting efficiency, averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, showcasing his versatile skill set and value to any potential suitor.
The dynamics of such a trade involve intricate negotiations and strategic considerations on both sides. While the Knicks have made significant strides in bolstering their roster, the addition of a talent like Towns could represent a pivotal move in their quest to elevate into championship contention. However, the complexity of NBA contracts and trade regulations adds layers of challenge to executing such a high-profile transaction.
As the offseason progresses, the speculation surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks will undoubtedly continue to evolve. Whether this rumored “big swing” materializes into a reality remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Knicks are actively exploring avenues to fortify their roster and position themselves as formidable contenders in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
