The New York Knicks entered the 2025-26 season with high hopes and a new voice at the helm. After parting ways with Tom Thibodeau and bringing in Mike Brown, the front office signaled a shift in direction-one that promised a more modern offensive approach and, ideally, deeper playoff success. And while the Knicks did notch a notable achievement by winning the NBA Cup, the broader picture is far murkier than that early-season trophy suggests.
At 25-18, the Knicks are still holding on to third place in the Eastern Conference, but the momentum has stalled. They’ve dropped nine of their last 11 games, and the cracks are starting to show. The buzz around Madison Square Garden isn’t just about playoff positioning anymore-it’s about what’s going wrong, and who’s responsible.
Enter Karl-Anthony Towns.
The All-Star big man has become the focal point of growing criticism, with ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins recently pointing the finger squarely at Towns during an appearance on Road Trippin’. Perkins didn’t mince words, calling out Towns for what he sees as a lack of maturity and adaptability under Mike Brown’s system.
“You know that the problem is Karl-Anthony Towns,” Perkins said. “You just don’t want to say the quiet thing out loud because all year you were, ‘Karl-Anthony Towns this, Karl-Anthony Towns that.’
No-Karl-Anthony Towns needs to grow up and be a grown a** man. That’s what they need him to be.”
Perkins went on to clarify that the issue isn’t between Towns and Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ star point guard, but rather between Towns and the new system under Brown. “Everyone is benefiting from this new offense except Karl-Anthony Towns,” he added.
Now, let’s be clear: Towns’ numbers aren’t disastrous. He’s started all 40 games this season, averaging 21 points, 11.6 rebounds, and three assists per contest.
He’s shooting 46.7% from the field and 35.8% from deep-respectable, if not elite, numbers. But in the context of what the Knicks hoped he’d bring to the table, especially after making a major move to acquire him, there’s a growing sense that something isn’t clicking.
Part of the issue may be stylistic. Brown’s offense emphasizes pace, ball movement, and spacing-traits that have allowed players like Brunson and RJ Barrett to flourish.
But Towns, who thrives as a hybrid post-up/stretch big, seems to be stuck in between roles. He’s not dominating the paint, nor is he consistently stretching the floor in a way that warps defenses.
And when you’re not the focal point of an offense, but you’re being paid like one, the spotlight gets hot fast.
There’s also the off-court smoke. Reports have surfaced that the Knicks have quietly explored trade options involving Towns ahead of the deadline. That, combined with Towns’ own comments expressing “disappointment” in recent media sessions, suggests this isn’t just a slump-it’s a situation teetering on the edge.
So, what now?
The Knicks are at a crossroads. They’ve built a roster that, on paper, should compete in the East.
Brunson is playing at an All-NBA level. The supporting cast is deep and versatile.
But if Towns can’t find his rhythm-or worse, if his presence is actively clashing with the direction Mike Brown wants to go-the front office may have to make a tough call.
Valentine’s Day is the NBA trade deadline this year, and it’s shaping up to be a telling one for the Knicks. Whether Towns is still in blue and orange after that remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: something’s off in New York, and the clock is ticking to fix it before what started as a promising season veers off course entirely.