Could Karl-Anthony Towns Be the Answer to the Bulls’ Frontcourt Woes?
Karl-Anthony Towns might just be the big-name solution the Chicago Bulls have been waiting for - and thanks to a shifting market, the timing couldn’t be better. With the New York Knicks reportedly lowering their asking price for the five-time All-Star, the Bulls have a real shot at pulling off a deal that could reshape their roster and re-energize a franchise in need of both size and star power.
A Window Opens in New York
The Knicks appear ready to move on from Towns, and not with the sky-high demands you'd expect for a player of his pedigree. According to reports, New York would be satisfied with salary-matching contracts and possibly some light draft compensation - a far cry from the haul you'd typically need to land a former All-NBA center.
There’s a reason for that shift. Towns’ fit in New York has been rocky from the start - both on the court and in the locker room. Add in the massive financial commitment still on the books (he’s owed over $118 million across the next two seasons), and it’s no surprise the Knicks are looking to pivot.
But for the Bulls? That’s an opportunity worth exploring.
Chicago’s Frontcourt Needs an Overhaul
Let’s be honest: the Bulls’ center situation has been stuck in neutral for too long. Nikola Vucevic, now 35 and on an expiring deal, remains the starter - more by default than by dominance. While he’s still a capable offensive player, Vucevic doesn’t offer the rim protection or mobility needed in today’s NBA, especially for a team that wants to play fast and defend with energy.
Behind him? Not much.
Zach Collins has only suited up for 10 of the team’s 50 games, and the rotation has leaned on veterans like Andre Drummond and Tristan Thompson in recent years. It’s a patchwork solution that’s overdue for a serious upgrade.
That’s where Towns comes in.
What KAT Brings - and What He Doesn’t
Let’s be clear: this isn’t the best version of Karl-Anthony Towns. He’s in the middle of his least efficient offensive season since winning Rookie of the Year back in 2015-16, averaging 20.0 points per game on 46.1% shooting from the floor and 36.1% from deep. Those numbers are down from his career marks of 22.9 points, 52.0% from the field, and 39.8% from three.
Still, even a slightly diminished Towns brings more offensive firepower and floor-spacing than any big currently on Chicago’s roster. He can stretch defenses, operate in the post, and open up driving lanes for the Bulls’ perimeter players - something they’ve sorely lacked.
And while he’s not a defensive anchor by any stretch, his presence alone would change the geometry of the Bulls’ offense and give them a legitimate inside-out threat.
Financial Flexibility Makes a Deal Possible
From a cap perspective, the Bulls are in a strong position to make this happen. Vucevic, Collins, and Kevin Huerter are all on expiring contracts in the $18-21 million range - perfect for matching salaries in a potential Towns deal. Chicago also holds all of its own first-round picks for the next seven years, plus an extra one from Portland and two recently acquired second-rounders.
That’s more than enough ammo to meet New York’s newly reduced demands, especially if the Knicks are prioritizing flexibility over a blockbuster return.
A Change of Scenery Could Unlock KAT
Towns has had to adjust to a new system under head coach Mike Brown - one that hasn’t exactly played to his strengths. He was even floated in offseason trade talks as part of a potential deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo. That kind of uncertainty can weigh on any player, and it’s fair to wonder whether a fresh start in a new city could help him rediscover his All-NBA form.
For the Bulls, this is more than just a roster upgrade - it’s a chance to reframe their identity. Towns may not be a perfect player, but he’s a proven talent who fills a glaring need. And with the Knicks seemingly ready to move on, the Bulls have a rare opportunity to land a star without mortgaging their future.
The question now is whether they’ll take the swing. Because if they do, the payoff could be exactly what Chicago’s been missing.