The New York Knicks have made no secret of their interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo. But while chasing a two-time MVP is understandable for a team with championship aspirations, it may have come at a cost-specifically, in the form of locker room chemistry. According to reports, last summer’s exploratory trade talks between the Knicks and Bucks involving Giannis didn’t just fizzle out-they left Karl-Anthony Towns with a sour taste that hasn’t quite gone away.
Towns Caught in the Crossfire
Being mentioned in trade rumors is part of the NBA business, especially when the name on the other end is Giannis Antetokounmpo. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to swallow.
Karl-Anthony Towns, a player who’s long been viewed as a foundational piece, reportedly wasn’t thrilled to hear his name floated in those conversations. And months later, that frustration still seems to be lingering.
It’s not hard to understand why. Towns came to New York with expectations-both from the franchise and for himself.
He was supposed to be a key piece in the Knicks’ push toward legitimate contention. So when whispers of being shipped out for another star surfaced, it likely felt more like a betrayal than a compliment.
A Dip in Production Raises Questions
Towns is averaging 20.2 points per game this season-solid numbers by most standards, but his lowest scoring output since his rookie year. For a player known for his offensive versatility and ability to stretch the floor, that drop-off is noticeable. And while there are always multiple factors behind a dip in production-injuries, role changes, team dynamics-it’s fair to wonder if the uncertainty around his future has played a part.
When a player doesn’t know where he’ll be playing next week, let alone next season, it can mess with rhythm, confidence, and focus. For Towns, who thrives when he feels empowered and involved, the lingering trade talk may be more than just background noise-it might be affecting his game.
Winning Helps, But Doesn’t Heal Everything
The Knicks, to their credit, have found their groove lately. After a rough patch, they’ve rattled off five straight wins and are starting to look like a team that belongs in the contender conversation.
And as we’ve seen countless times in this league, winning can cover up a lot of issues. It brings smiles back to the locker room, quiets the critics, and creates momentum.
But it doesn’t erase everything. If Towns still feels slighted by the front office’s willingness to include him in trade talks, that’s not something that disappears overnight.
Trust, once shaken, takes time to rebuild. And in a league where chemistry can be the difference between a second-round exit and a Finals run, it’s something the Knicks need to monitor closely.
The Giannis Pursuit Isn’t Over-But It’s Complicated
Of course, the Knicks’ pursuit of Giannis isn’t dead. But unless they pull off something miraculous in the next few days, the Greek Freak isn’t walking through that door anytime soon. And even if Milwaukee does engage in serious trade talks down the line, Towns may not be the kind of piece they’re looking for.
Yes, he’s an All-Star. But he’s also on a massive contract-$53 million this season, $57 million next, and a $61 million player option after that. For a team potentially staring down a rebuild post-Giannis, that’s a lot of money to commit to a player who may not fit their long-term vision.
Add to that the fact that New York’s draft capital is considered the weakest among the teams rumored to be in the Giannis sweepstakes, and you start to see the uphill battle the Knicks are facing. They may have the market, the ambition, and some talented pieces-but they don’t have the assets that typically get these kinds of deals done.
Looking Ahead
For now, the Knicks are winning, and Towns is still in orange and blue. But the situation is worth keeping an eye on.
If the front office truly sees him as part of the future, they’ll need to do more than just say the right things-they’ll need to show it. Because in the NBA, relationships matter.
And right now, it sounds like there’s still some repair work to be done.