Knicks Quiet on Karl-Anthony Towns Trade Front-For Now
Despite the swirling rumors, the New York Knicks are not currently engaged in trade talks involving Karl-Anthony Towns, according to new reporting. That’s a notable development considering recent chatter suggesting otherwise, including claims that the Knicks had floated Towns’ name in discussions with the Grizzlies, Magic, and Hornets.
So what’s really going on?
On the latest episode of The Putback, Knicks insider Ian Begley shared that after checking in with multiple sources, there’s no active dialogue involving Towns at the moment. That adds some clarity to a situation that’s felt a bit murky in recent days, especially with the trade deadline fast approaching on February 5 at 3 p.m. ET.
Let’s back up for a second. The Knicks brought Towns in from Minnesota before the start of last season, a blockbuster move that helped push New York to the Eastern Conference Finals. While the Knicks ultimately fell to the Pacers in six games, Towns’ presence was a major factor in the team’s deep playoff run.
But the end of that run also marked the end of Tom Thibodeau’s tenure as head coach-a decision that, according to sources, had a lot to do with Towns. The two have a long and complicated history dating back to their time in Minnesota, and tensions reportedly resurfaced during the Knicks' playoff exit. Towns voiced his frustrations during his exit interview with owner James Dolan, and multiple player conversations with Dolan ultimately led to Thibodeau’s dismissal.
Enter Mike Brown, the former Kings head coach, who was tapped to replace Thibodeau. But early indications suggest that the Brown-Towns dynamic might not be a perfect fit either. While no one’s sounding the alarm just yet, it’s a storyline worth monitoring as the season progresses.
As of now, the Knicks are sitting at 26-18 and hold the third seed in the East. Towns has suited up for 41 games this season, averaging 20.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists-solid numbers that reflect his All-Star pedigree. He’s a five-time All-Star for a reason, and even if the on-court chemistry is still a work in progress, his production remains steady.
And let’s not forget: Towns doesn’t have a no-trade clause, which means New York holds the cards if it ever decides to make a move. That flexibility has already come into play once-sources say the Knicks explored a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade with Milwaukee last offseason, with Towns reportedly included in those talks.
Meanwhile, the Knicks’ locker room has had its own internal checkpoints. Jalen Brunson recently called a players-only meeting following a loss to the Mavericks on MLK Day, a sign that the team is trying to stay locked in as the season heats up.
With the trade deadline looming and the playoff race tightening, the Knicks are in a pivotal stretch. For now, Towns remains in New York-and while the rumors may keep buzzing, the front office appears to be holding steady.